Gor fraternity bid farewell to retired keeper Onyango

After an incredible nine-year career at Gor Mahia, long serving Captain Jerim Onyango has given hearty goodbye to the club fraternity as he finally hung his gloves.

The veteran shot-stopper who joined the 15-time national champions in 2008 from KRA FC told the club’s official website K’Ogalo will forever hold a special place in his heart, as he looked back at the glittering career that saw him win multiple titles while becoming a household name within the national team set up.

According to reports, Onyango will be seeking a political seat in the forthcoming general elections at his native home in Ugunja constituency.

“It’s been a great honor to be part of one of the greatest clubs in Kenya for that long. As l hang my gloves, my sincere appreciation goes to the club as a whole for giving me that chance to offer my services.

“We may have not achieved much at continental level but locally, I’m proud of a club l served with all my heart.  Although we had some of the toughest times, we had good moments where we delivered as expected and achieved as a team hence was worth a clap,” Onyango offered.

For the nine seasons he played for Gor, won three league, four GOtv and two Top 8 titles.

The custodian, whose armband will be worn by his long-time deputy Musa Mohammed in the 2017 season, encouraged the current crop of players to continue fighting to restore and maintain the glory of the only club in Kenya that has won a continental championship, the Africa Winners Cup in 1987.

“My appreciation goes to the club for believing in me and allowing me to play for such a long time thank you so much.  To our fans, you are great. Your massive support all through the seasons was a major element in our achievements.

“To my team mates, thanks for teamwork, the good working relationship, dedication, focus and discipline helped us deliver and l urge you to keep the fire burning.

“As l hang my gloves, Gor will forever be in my heart because you made me who l am. I wish the club all the best,” concluded Onyango.

Club’s Deputy Secretary General Ronald Ngala has hailed him for his illustrious career, saying his unique character befits the path he has taken of political leadership.

“I will remember Jerry for consistency and perseverance. He joined us when we were not very stable but he had the heart to soldier on even in bad times. In the current world it’s unusual for players to stay in one club for close to ten years especially in Kenya.

“He was disciplined, and that’s why he captained the side   for seven years. Hopefully he will transfer his leadership qualities in the political front and succeed,” remarked Ngala.

Assistant Coach Tom Ogweno described the player as a hero, wishing him well in his future endeavors.

“No player in the history of the club has captained the club for a long time like Jerim. He had leadership skills as a captain which will definitely be missed in the dressing room.

“There are other loyal players like him in the current team who can take the club far but will need to learn from his faithfulness as a club servant. The direction he has taken in politics is slippery but he will make it,” Ogweno told Citizen Digital.

Self-proclaimed Gor fan number one Jared Otieno, popularly known as Jaro Soja saluted Onyango describing him as a darling of the fans.

“We loved him as fans; even when there was trouble during matches he would calm agitated fans. We know he is going into politics and we will support him even there.

“For now we are preparing to bid him a warm farewell during the club fans day in February.”

Gor will now depend on Boniface Oluoch who was the first choice custodian in the 2016 season, newly signed Shaban Odhoji from Ushuru FC and former Mathare United’s  Peter Odhiambo in the goalkeeping department.

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