We did not botch Omalla's move to Algeria, decries Rachier

Gor Mahia's chairperson Ambrose Rachier has rubbished reports blaming the club for failing to present Omalla's documents in time for his signature to help his botched move to JS Souara go through.

Rachier says the club did everything possible to help the 22-year-old seal the move, despite the Algerian outfit club presenting the offer only on Thursday.

The seasoned lawyer insisted they were determined to help Omalla seal the mouthwatering deal, as head coach Jonathan McKinstry had already given him the nod after the young sensation expressed his desire to leave the FKF-Premier League defending champions.

And while the Algerian side ditched Omalla for DR Congo’s 24-year-old Carl Wunda Ngana in a last-minute call, Rachier feels the Algerian outfit had been chasing the two players at the same time and settled on the Diables Noirs prodigy despite reaching an agreement and signing all the important details needed.

"We tried our best, went out of our way to help Omalla seal the move. It was for the best interest of him and us as a club.

"JS Souara presented a proposal on Thursday and despite the short notice we did what we could.

“In the end we do not know what happened, it seems the club was chasing more than one player and they preferred the Cameroonian," noted Rachier.

Rachier also defended the club’s statement on Omalla's transfer before it hit the wall.

"We were just giving an update of what was happening, that we were gladly releasing him and giving him the blessings.

“We wouldn't wait till he signed to release a statement."

"Allowing him to fulfill his dream is already a big step. Now sealing the transfer lies to the club interested in him," added Rachier.

In a statement on Monday, the Kenyan Premier League champions had written: "We are happy to announce that our talisman Benson Omalla has moved to JS-Saoura FC in Algeria on loan for the rest of the season.

“The two clubs have signed a loan agreement with the possibility of a permanent move if the player impresses at JS- Saoura FC during the loan period.

“As the Executive Committee of Gor Mahia FC, we wish Omalla good outing there being aware of his immense ability in the field of play and we remain optimistic that these two clubs will foster a good rapport now in future," the statement read further.

Omalla will now gun for the golden boot this season after narrowly missing out last season to Elvis Rupia who found the back of the net 27 times compared to the former’s 25.

He is currently leading the goal scoring charts with nine goals after 20 matches.