Gor Mahia players form bulk of national team

As Kenya national team Harambee stars prepare to play the Chipolopolo (bullets ) of Zambia this weekend, Gor Mahia will once be the club most represented. The squad is being coached by former Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson.

Among the Kogalo players called up is striker Michael Olunga who is perhaps the most exciting player in the Kenya Premier league. Olunga will likely partner upfront with veteran striker Dennis Oliech who is making a comeback after having been excluded from the squad for the past year or so. That is assuming Oliech is in form and in the right frame of mind. Oliech is currently not attached to any team and his fitness is unknown.

But Oliech is confident and is confident

“I normally do what I’m supposed to do; and that is to score goals. It doesn’t matter whether it will be me or my striking partner, or any other player, but the most important thing is to win,” he said to the Nation

Also likely to see action is Collins Okoth Gattuso. The relentless Gattuso has been in fine form in the local league and is a favourite of coach. And with MacDonald Mariga having bailed out of the squad, Gattuso will be counted on to patrol the front of the defence along with captain Victor Wanyama.

Bryan Mandela likely out due to documentation problems. That leaves an opportunity for, Haron Shakava which could see him in action in central defence where he is likely to partner withy David Ochieng “Cheche”.

Goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch will likely start on the bench. Currently there is no local goalkeeper who is even close to challenging Arnold Origi for the goalkeeping position.

Former Gor Mahia skipper David Owino “Calabar” who is now playing in Zambia for Zesco will be playing against some of his club-mates.

When it comes to the flag it is another thing and the club is another thing so I will just be playing for the flag,” Owino said to supersport.

Owino will be counted on not just to defend but also for his forays upfront. He has scored several goals for Harambee stars. He is currently in good form in the Zambian league and scored in his most recent league match, thus giving Zesco a 1-0 win over Konkola Blades.

“If an opportunity comes, I will definitely score,” Owino continued.

It will be a tall order for Stars considering that Zambia have been in camp for 3 weeks. And Kenya’s record against Zambia is poor:  6 wins 6 draws and 22 losses. And Zambia inflicted the second  the worst defeat on Harambee Stars when they beat Kenya 9-0 in 1978. In action on that day were several Gor Mahia players including Dan Odhiambo who conceded the first 5 goals before being replaced by Mahmoud Abbas. Jerry Imbo a former Gor Mahia midfield stalwart was captain.

The squad initially called up by coach Williamson was as follows:

Harambee Stars full squad of professionals:
Arnold Origi – Lillestrom (Norway), Brian Mandela – Maritzburg United (South Africa), David Owino – Zesco United, (Zambia), David Ochieng – Al Tawoon (Saudi Arabia), Lawrence Olum – Malaysia, Macdonald Mariga – FC Parma (Italy), Paul Were – Amazulu (South Africa), Ayub Timbe – SK Lierse (Belgium), Clifton Miheso – VPS FC (Finland), Anthony Akumu – Al Khartoum (Sudan), Victor Wanyama – Southampton FC (England), Johanna Omollo – Royal Antwerp FC (Belgium), Dennis Oliech – Al Nasser (Saudi Arabia), Jacob Kelli – Nkana Red Devils (Zambia) and Allan Wanga – Azam FC (Tanzania).

Full list of local-based players: Goalkeepers:- Boniface Oluoch (Gor Mahia), Wycliffe Kasaya (Nakumatt) and Ian Otieno (Posta Rangers). Defenders:-, Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia), Edwin Wafula (AFC Leopards), Dennis Odhiambo (Thika United), Midfielders:-, Collins ‘Gattuso’ Okoth (Gor Mahia), Bernard Mang’oli (AFC Leopards), Sammy Meja (Thika United), Humphrey Mieno (Tusker), Noah Wafula (Tusker), Johanna Otieno (Mathare United), Danson Kago (Thika United (Tusker), Strikers:- Jesse Were (Tusker) and Michael Olunga (Gor Mahia).