- Omondi, who was preferred in goal during Gor's weekend 1-0 victory over APS Bomet in Homa Bay, had previously been sidelined for an extended period. However, Akonnor expressed complete confidence in the custodian after he pulled off several acrobatic saves to help K'Ogalo secure a clean sheet.
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor is convinced
that shot-stopper Kevin Omondi has fully regained his form to compete for a
place in the starting eleven.
Omondi, who was preferred in goal during Gor's
weekend 1-0 victory over APS Bomet in Homa Bay, had previously been sidelined
for an extended period. However, Akonnor expressed complete confidence in the
custodian after he pulled off several acrobatic saves to help K'Ogalo secure a
clean sheet.
“Our goalkeeper was fantastic. He made some saves
which we thought would have resulted in APS Bomet goals. He has demonstrated
confidence in goal and I thank him for that,” said Akonnor.
For much of last season, Kevin found himself out of
favour following the arrival of Bryne Omondi from Bandari FC, who was absorbed
by Gor during the CHAN tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Akonnor commended his technical bench for helping
Kevin rebuild his confidence after a grueling struggle to rediscover his form
following a long injury layoff.
“We kept encouraging him and I wish to thank the
technical bench for showing commitment which has now made him one of the best.”
This comes at a time when Kenyan international Bryne
Omondi remains uncertain about his return between the posts for the record
Kenyan Premier League champions.
Bryne was previously suspended following suspected
foul play during Gor Mahia’s heavy loss to Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the
CAF Champions League preliminary stage.
Although Bryne has resumed training with the squad,
the technical bench remains hesitant to reinstate him as their primary
goalkeeper.
The Ghanaian tactician also singled out midfielder
Ben Stanley Omondi for special praise. According to the coach, it was Ben
Stanley’s introduction that led to the set-piece from which Gor netted the late
winner against APS Bomet.
“Ben Stanley was outstanding. His creativity helped
us get the three points on the match day. I understand he could not have done
it alone but he was outstanding,” added Akonor.
Gor Mahia have begun their title defence on a strong
footing with back-to-back wins. They handed Murang'a Seal a 4-2 thrashing in
their league opener before grinding out a hard-fought victory last weekend,
courtesy of an Alpha Onyango strike in the dying minutes.
The holders will host coastal side Bandari FC over
the weekend at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Gor Mahia currently sit atop the league standings
with six points and a +3 goal difference, having scored five goals and conceded
two.
Management recently reiterated its backing for
Akonnor to steer the club to greater heights, despite an early exit from the
CAF Champions League and a final loss to Rwandan giants Rayon Sports in the
CECAFA Club Championship.