Gor keeper Omondi must earn starting position after return, Nyaoro says

Gor Mahia first choice goalkeeper Kevin Omondi is back in training after a two-match ban, following the red card he received during the Mashemeji Derby last month.

Gor Team Manager Victor Nyaoro, says Omondi will be available for selection ahead of their next league match against KCB on Thursday, May 16, 2024, but he will have to impress the technical bench before he can get back his number one goalkeeper position.

‘’His two-match ban is over and he will be available for selection for the next match against KCB on Thursday. He will have to impress the technical bench that he is fully fit to resume his number one position,’’ said Nyaoro.

The Team Manager has lauded youthful goalkeeper Caleb Otieno, who he says has done a great job during Omondi’s absence.

‘’Our youthful goalkeeper has done very well since he took over from Kevin. He has convinced us with numerous skills and acrobatic saves we never saw before in him. I can say he deserves to be part of the squad even into the new season,’’ noted Nyaoro.

After leaving premier league rivals Sofapaka FC, keeper Omondi displaced former K’Ogalo number one Mathew Gad. This prompted Gad to skip trainings, something that did not go well with club Chairman Ambrose Rachier.

He however acknowledged that Gad is a talented goalkeeper, and that they were in the process of mending relations with him to ensure he consistently resumes training with the rest of the team.

‘’He has been skipping training but we shall talk with him and ensure all pending issues are sorted to have him back in full training,’’ said Rachier.

With Omondi’s return, it will be interesting to see who will be preferred as the first choice shot-stopper for the rest of the season.

According to Nyaoro, it is the duty of the head coach, his deputy and the goalkeeper trainer to determine who starts between the posts.

‘’Whoever among the three goalkeepers will impress the trainers, we will appreciate since we have a target this season. ‘’

Meanwhile, with five matches remaining in the FKF Premier League, K’Ogalo are aiming to surpass the 70 points mark they attained last season, and ensure they win their 21st league title.

Even though Kenya Police FC are chasing the leaders for the top spot, Nyaoro sees no mistake from Gor, adding that they are already celebrating because of the hard work from the entire team from the administration, the playing unit and the technical bench.

Gor are currently leading with 63 points, nine ahead of second-placed Kenya Police FC. They only need two wins and a draw out of the remaining five matches to be crowned champions.

Last season, K’Ogalo missed out on the CAF Champions League despite finishing top of the league, due Club Licensing logistics.

Their next match is against KCB on Thursday, May 16, 2024, with their lead striker, Benson Omalla, in the golden boot race having scored 15 times, same as Police FC and former Gor striker Tito Okello.