Eric Ouma uncertain of future at K’Ogalo as KPL’s first leg ends

Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma.

As Gor Mahia prepare for their final Kenyan Premier League first leg match against Sofapaka today, one concern will keep lingering in their minds; the future of defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma.

Ouma, 19, has cemented his place in the Gor first team, despite this being his first season in the KPL. He has done exceptionally well and it is no wonder he has relegated experienced defender Abouba Sibomana to the bench.

But with just days before his contract runs out, Gor Mahia said the player is still undecided on whether to remain with the club or not. He is also said to be considering other options.

Ouma had signed a six-month contract with Gor Mahia, which comes up for renewal next month.

Gor Mahia acting Secretary General Ronald Ngala said ‘rogue agents’ are misleading the player. Ouma is said to have received interests from AFC Leopards.

“The player has not made up his mind regarding a new contract and this is mainly because some people are misleading him. We, however, remain optimistic that he will agree to a new deal soon,” said Ngala.

Asked if they were interested in the player, AFC Leopards chairman Dan Mule was cagey, even though he insisted that Gor Mahia may not release him.

“We have made some contact with the player, but we are not sure whether Gor Mahia will let him go, considering his invaluable contribution to the team,” said Mule.

Other than the uncertainty of Ouma, Gor Mahia have an opportunity to end their first leg fixtures at the top of the log.

Should Gor Mahia win today’s match (at 2pm in Kisumu), they will assume leadership of the log on 29 points, that is if leaders Tusker lose to AFC Leopards at Machakos Stadium (from 3pm) in the other mid-week fixture.

Surely, it seems an easy fixture for Gor Mahia. They face a team that has lost 11 times after 14 rounds of matches and are currently at the bottom of the log with just seven points.

On the other hand, Gor Mahia have been on a renaissance, picking maximum points in their last five matches, that is why, victory today is almost guaranteed.

Meanwhile, league leaders Tusker have a good chance to finish top of the log when they host AFC Leopards at Machakos Stadium. The brewers have picked 28 points from their last 14 matches and another win will push them to 31 points.