Gad Mathews: Man of the moment

One of the few positive elements of the 2020-2021 season is that after a long search, Gor Mahia have found a highly capable goalkeeper. Gad Mathews, whose full name is Gad Mathews Ongota Otieno, has been the player of the match in the last two encounters. Against both APR and against Ulinzi, he pulled off crucial save after crucial save to keep Gor Mahia afloat. Most important was the penalty he saved from Jacque Tuyisenge, which would have eliminated Gor Mahia from continental football.

“Yes, I believe that Gor will proceed to the finals. It’s great to bring the team back into the mood of winning. Besides, it’s my responsibility to make sure they don’t concede any goals and I believe I will keep doing exactly that,” Matthews said.

On Saturday, Ulinzi domiinated the first half and peppered the Gor mahia goal with a series of powerful on target shots. Mathews was at it again, keeping Gor Mahia alive, gathering dangerous crosses, deflecting powerful shots and reacting sharply to well take free kicks.

Not much was expected from Mathews when he was signed in November. In fact many fans wondered aloud why Gor Mahia needed another goalkeeper after signing Levis Opiyo. His emergence as a reliable shot stopper has come as a welcome surprise given that Boniface Oluoch’s form in the last three years has been erratic. So erratic that last season Gor Mahia sought help from Tanzania in the form of David Mapigano who left earlier this year citing non-payment of salary. It is also a welcome gift given that the other high profile Gor Mahia signings have yet to meet the hype that accompanied their arrival.

Patrick Odhiambo confident ahead of CR Belouizidad

Gor Mahia face a tough assignment in eight days. They face an in form CR Belouizidad whose form is in stark contrast to that of Gor Mahia. This past Friday , they beat traditional giants JS Kabylie by a score of 3-0. Nevertheless, assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo is confident.

Additional reporting from the Star

Gor Mahia FC assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo is confident of going past CR Belouizdad of Algeria in the next round of CAF Champions League.

Speaking soon after the Kenyan Premier League champions kicked off their new season campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, Odhiambo said his side has put in place a good training schedule to enable them challenge effectively in the continental showpiece.

“I thank the boys for the three points, it was a good game especially coming at at time we are preparing for our next Caf match. I believe we have the capacity to clinch the title,” said Odhiambo.

The first leg of the Champions League will be played on December 22/23 in Algeria, with the return leg planned for January 5/6, 2021 in Nairobi.

Odhiambo has been tasked with guiding the side as reports emerge that the Kenyan champions are on the verge of parting ways with head coach Roberto ‘Robertinho’ Oliveira and are keen to draft Sammy Omollo from Posta Rangers to plug the void.

Roberto bumped into a major hiccup barely a month after taking charge at the club following a decision by the Confederation of African Football to prohibit him from handling the team in continental assignments owing to inferior coaching qualifications.

Odhiambo said the club had recruited quality personnel during the just concluded transfer window and he was particularly impressed by Jules Ulimwengu who netted the all important goal that claimed the scalp of the soldiers in their opening KPL encounter.

“I believe we brought in some good players who can help us challenge for the Caf title. I’m happy with Ulimwengu’s performance this afternoon. He is definitely back in shape,” Odhiambo said.