You are yet to see the best of me, says ex-Gor man Nondi

Former Gor Mahia midfielder Amos Nondi says the best is yet to come in his football career, but is happy with the gains made so far albeit in silence since leaving the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions close to three years ago.

Nondi, was a rising star in the eyes of many a local football fan during the 2016 season, which saw his breakthrough into the K’Ogalo first team under then coach Jose ‘Ze Maria’ Ferreira.

Having joined Gor from Sony Sugar, he would last at the local giants for only 18 months before signing for Georgian top league side FC Kholketi Poti in July 2017, where sensational Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma was also plying his trade, then.

He would later join Dila Gori in 2018, where he plays to date still in the Georgian league.

Nondi was also a key member of the national Under-20 team, then coached by John Kamau. He also made the KPL All Stars squad that played Hull City in a friendly match at the KCOM Stadium, England in February 2017.

However, he has not featured in any national team duty since signing for Kholketi, which he says does not necessarily reflect his form and ability.

“I’ve learnt a lot from the time I came to Georgia. I can confidently say I have grown in every aspect. The exposure and facilities are way better. Of course the foundation back home was very important, but now I’m better and wiser for football anywhere,” told Nondi.

Having played for the national Under-20 team, Nondi’s desire to play for the senior team is as strong as it was then, which he says would be a big mark of career growth.

“This is what every player wants – playing for the national team – it’s a big honour. I work hard every day knowing the only way to get there is being in top form to compete and catch the technical bench’s attention. When that chance comes I will have to seriously justify the call up.”

Although there are no offers presently, Nondi who narrowly missed an opportunity to switch to Portuguese topflight side Vitoria Guimaraes in 2018, is already looking forward to a new challenge.

“Having been around here for close to three years now, I would want a different challenge. I’m fully committed here for now but soon or later I will move for growth,” Nondi told Citizen Digital from his Georgian base.

He underscores playing in Europe, albeit in the lowly ranked league has prepared him for more competitive leagues.

“That time I was supposed to join Vitoria SC in Portugal, the only thing I missed was experience within European leagues. Another player from West Africa who had some good experience finally was signed instead of me. Almost everything  had been agreed upon and I was waiting for invitation letter so that I go and sign, but that experience bit made all the difference,” he explained.

Since the stoppage of the Georgian league due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Nondi has been training at home with guidance from the club coaching staff.

“It is not unique at all, careers have been somehow slowed down. I stay near the training ground so I’m able to do morning runs there. The rest of the keeping fit exercises I do indoors,” he said, ahead of the early June league resumption.

Before it was suspended, Gori had played only two matches of the current season, winning one and drawing one.

To Kenyans back at home, Nondi is urging for social discipline and adherence to expert advises; and government directives to stop COVID-19.

“Everyone misses the life we enjoyed before the pandemic. The only way to resume normalcy is by stopping the spread. It is therefore our duty and responsibility to follow the regulations. Together we shall overcome,” concluded Nondi.