Mathews’ Gor future uncertain amid fall out claims

Gor Mahia are seeking to understand why former first-choice shot-stopper Gad Mathews has been skipping training sessions, with club chairman Ambrose Rachier questioning his commitment to the club.

While Rachier insists Gad is an integral part of the playing unit, the shot-stopper has not been handed a starting slot between the sticks this season, raising concern amongst the club’s faithful about his long-term future.

 ‘’He is still part of us, but he has been skipping some training sessions. We are looking into it so as to solve the problem,’’ said Rachier

A gap in the squad was laid bare last Sunday during the Mashemeji derby, when first-choice goalkeeper Kevin Omondi was red-carded, leaving only the less experienced Caleb Otieno to take charge of the goal.

However, unconfirmed reports hint that the goalkeeper is not on good terms with head coach Jonathan McKinstry, who has always preferred former Sofapaka talisman Kevin Omondi between the posts.

‘’You will obviously see Gad on the bench in our next match, now that Kevin is suspended. We don’t have any other substitute goalkeeper in the absence of first-choice Kevin.’’

He since displaced former Kenyan International Boniface Oluoch from the posts, until early this season, when the arrival of Kevin Omondi from Sofapaka put his starting berth in jeopardy.

In an earlier interview, team manager Victor Nyaoro indicated that head coach Jonathan McKinstry is very keen on consistency and form.

‘’Can you change a winning team? No. You can also see what Kevin is doing in goal. If Gad's  form improves, he will definitely get back his position,’’ said Nyaoro

Gad had earlier in the season undergone a minor surgery that kept him out of action for months while Omondi cemented his starting role.  

 It will be interesting to see who Gad and the youthful goalkeeper Caleb will start between the posts in their next match against Murangá Seal while Omondi is serving his suspension.

Gor Mahia are fighting to get back to continental action should they win their 21st title at the end of this season. They only need four wins and a draw out of their remaining seven matches to seal the deal.

This is even as the club chairman indicated that they are seriously scouting for a ‘mature’ goalkeeper ahead of their anticipated return to the continental arena.

KÓgalo were the only team from the CECAFA region to lift a continental trophy in 1987, having brought home the then-Nelson Mandela Cup.