Marcelo’s Gor future in doubt as contract talks stall

Gor Mahia FC sensation Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma could be on his way out of the club after contract extension talks between the left-back and the 15-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions reportedly hit a brick wall.

The 20-year-old has taken the KPL by storm, with his consistent performances for K’Ogalo drifting him right into the national team starting XI where he now forms First Coach Stanley Olumbi’s ideal Harambee Stars back four.

At Gor, Ouma’s upsurge has meant Rwandan international Abouba Sibomana’s role has been reduced to that of a substitute while his increasingly important presence for the Harambee Stars has left Kenyan international Aboud Omar in a frantic fight to win back his spot.

According Gor’s Secretary General Ronald Ngala, whether the club decides to renew Sibomana’s contract which is set to expire at the end of the year is pinned on Ouma’s final decision.

“We are not likely to sign foreign players because we already have five of them and the maximum number remains five. We are in talks with Karim Nizigiyimana and Sibomana to extend their contracts but for Sibomana it will depend on Ouma. Coach Jose prefers him but he has not shown interest any interest of committing with us so if he leaves Sibomana stays,” Ngala Citizen Digital.

In June, Ouma turned down the chance to sign a long-term deal with Gor amid rumors a move abroad was in the offing.

Meanwhile, Ngala has confirmed that Brazilian striker Thiago De Lima Silva who signed during the June transfer window will not return to the country after for next season.

“We had a mutual agreement with him before he left for Rio. It’s unfortunate that the expectations of both parties on his deal were never met and hence we figured it was the best decision for his career progress,” Ngala offered.

The Brazilian never featured in any competitive match for Gor in his five months’ spell at the club although he always turned up for the team’s training sessions.

Ngala confirmed Gor are looking to strengthen their squad for next season as they aim to reclaim the league title from 2016 champions FC with Western Stima FC star Kenneth Muguna and Tusker’s duo Shafiq Batambuze and Hashim Sempala reportedly on their wish list.