'Calabar' pays tribute to Gor after departure

Gor Mahia David Owino.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Former Gor Mahia defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino has paid glowing tribute to the club and fans just a day after he joined Zambian champions Zesco United.

In a Facebook comment posted on Gor Mahia's official website, Owino, a two-time Kenyan defender of the year, said the club will always remain close to his heart.

“It has been six tough years of endurance, hard work and occasional setbacks of playing in the KPL. Time comes in one’s life or career when you must open a new chapter. Hence, it is time for me to bid goodbye the prestigious Kenyan Premier League (KPL)," he said.

“I leave my former club Gor Mahia with a heavy heart to pursue a fresh challenge in my football career. I wish to unreservedly thank the larger Gor Mahia fraternity, including the management team, various technical benches together whom I worked with and won various titles.

“To my former team mates I say a big asante sana (thank you) for the support. It was at times challenging, but with the contribution of everyone, we were able to bag among other accolades, two league titles. In my eyes you will remain heroes.

"I cannot forget to mention the ever passionate and adorable club faithful, "The Green Army", on many occasions you pushed us to give our best even at our lowest points. Even as I leave for another club, K’Ogalo will still remain my home and if another opportunity was to present itself to don that green jersey, I will not hesitate to grab it.

“Best of luck Gor Mahia in the coming football season.”

The club through their website wished the player all the best at his new work station. Owino penned a two-year deal at Zesco after undergoing medical tests on Monday afternoon. Zesco Secretary Justin Mumba said the signing of the two-time KPL defender of the year is an enforcement in the team.
“We are happy we signed David on our team and we are happy he accepted our request to join the club. We are playing in the Champions League and David has joined the group of our defenders who are already on the team.” he told the club’s website.

Mumba also thanked Gor Mahia for making the player available for negotiations and subsequently releasing him to join the 2014 FAZ/MTN champions. Owino becomes the first Kenyan to feature in the Zambian league.