Rising Star Javan Omondi Secures Full Scholarship to the United States of America

Kenya U20 Men’s National Team winger Javan Omondi has secured a full athletic and academic scholarship to Gardner-Webb University in the United States, marking a significant milestone in his budding football career. The talented Ulinzi Stars winger will now compete in the prestigious NCAA Division I soccer league, the top tier of intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Omondi’s move was facilitated by Dream Sports Agencia Deportiva, a sports marketing agency dedicated to managing elite football talent and securing scholarships in the US collegiate system. The agency, which prides itself on 360º sports marketing and player engagement, announced the deal on Instagram, celebrating their first official transfer of a Kenyan U20 national team player.

“Welcome to Dream Sports, Javan! In collaboration with Kenyan scout Meshack Mutende and coach Cedric Muteshi, we are proud to announce the first official transfer of a Kenyan U20 national team player under Dream Sports,” the agency posted. “Congratulations to Javan Omondi, who will continue his academic and athletic career at Gardner-Webb University, NCAA Division 1 league with a full scholarship to the United States. Dream Sports, Fulfill Your Dreams Playing Football!”

Gardner–Webb University, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, is a private Christian institution with a rich history dating back to 1905. The university is known for fostering student-athletes who excel both on and off the field, as highlighted in its mission statement: “Our mission is to produce student-athletes who are champions on the fields of competition, champions in the classroom, and champions of their shared faith.”

Javan Omondi caught the attention of scouts during Kenya’s historic appearance at the 2025 Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, the country’s first-ever participation in the tournament. Despite the Rising Stars exiting at the group stage, Omondi was one of the standout performers. In the opening match against Morocco, the left-footed winger was introduced in the 61st minute and made an instant impact, creating the opportunity that led to Hassan Beja’s equalizer just 10 minutes later. Although Kenya eventually lost the match 3-2 due to defensive lapses, Omondi’s performance did not go unnoticed.

His scholarship to Gardner-Webb now makes him the first from the Kenya U20 AFCON Class of 2025 to secure a move abroad, potentially paving the way for more young talents from Kenya to follow in his footsteps.

As he prepares for life in the United States, Omondi will join the ranks of NCAA Division I athletes — a group that includes players from around the world competing at the highest collegiate level, supported by robust training facilities, academic support, and global exposure.

This opportunity not only offers Omondi a platform to develop as a player but also sets him on a promising academic path, aligning with Dream Sports Agencia Deportiva’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded footballers.

His journey is a testament to the growing talent in Kenyan football and the critical role of professional support structures in helping young players achieve their dreams.