Michael Olunga starts against Guinea Bissau
In a departure from recent times when Gor Mahia players played critical roles in the national team, there will be no current Gor Mahia player on the field against Guinea Bissau besides Musa Mohamed. Goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch is on the bench and is unlikely to see playing time barring an injury to Arnold Origi.
On the field will be Michael Olunga, who will be depended upon for goals. Olunga scored several goals for Harambee stars and for the national U23 team in 2015. Also on the field will be former Kogalo players Anthony Akumu and David Owino who are now at Zambian side Zesco United.
Harun Shakava and Francis Kahata were also dropped. The exclusion of Collins Okoth is difficult to explain.
A surprise inclusion in the starting line-up is Pattilah Omoto who has failed to impress in the KPL. Its a big gamble for coach Stan Okumbi dropping an experienced player like Gattuso or even Kahata in favour of Omotto.
Starting XI: Arnold Origi (GK), Musa Mohammed, James Situma, Brian Mandela, David Owino Patillah Omoto, Victor Wanyama (C) Eric Johanna, Johanna Omolo, Clifton Miheso, Michael Olunga.
Subs: Boniface Oluoch (GK), Dennis Odhiambo, David King’atua, Anthony Akumu, Anthony Kimani, Michael Ovella Ochieng, Jesse Were.
Ocholla complains of large entourage
New FKF chair Nick Mwendwa has come under fire from among others former Gor Mahia player and coach Tobias Ocholla. The criticism comes due to the fact that the chartered flight taking Stars to Guinea Bissau had only 12 players and 18 officials.
It is not clear why Mwendwa would bring so many joy riders. And this is a federation that Mwendwa claims is broke and unable to meet its financial obligations.
No current Gor Mahia player in the field against Guinea Bissau so you say? Which team does Musa Mohammed play for?
Maybe omotto brings to the team what gattuso,akumu or Kahata don’t ..let’s wait and see!!
Stanley Okumbi is the national head coach. Admin’s views are personal. A good coach is one who gives everyone a chance and I believe he has seen that Omoto brings a different dimension to the team. The comments above are premature and should have waited till after the game
It is bias to cast doubt on players. Every coach worth appointment must be able to chose players independently and take responsibility.
The same players left have been in the team for quite a time and what impact have HS made at the int’l level?
I encourage coach Okumbi to take responsibility for his choices as they(choices) have consequences.
I guess we now all saw with our two own eyes what those gambles by okumbi brought to the team in terms of so-called “New Dimension”…The struggle continues