Gor Mahia goalkeeper coach Willis Ochieng’ bolts out, demands 14-month salary dues

Gor Mahia FC coach Manuel Vaz Pinto after losing a match 1-0 against Posta Rangers FC during an FKF Premier League match at Kasarani Annex on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper coach Willis Ochieng’ Oganyo tendered his resignation on Friday, The Standard Sport confirmed.

In a letter addressed to Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier, Ochieng’ thanked his employers for giving him an opportunity to coach top goalkeepers for over four years at the helm.

He pointed out that personal and family reasons led to his decision, days after forward Nicholas Kipkirui officially bid farewell to K’Ogalo.

“Please accept this formal notice of my resignation from the position of Goalkeeper Coach/Trainer with immediate effect,” Ochieng’ said.

The goalkeepers’ trainer added: “I am thankful to you and the club management for giving me the opportunity to work with the team for the last four and a half years during which I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching some of the most talented keepers that have graced Kenyan football.

“However after consultation with my family. I have come to the painful decision that it is time for me to move on to the next challenge due to personal and family reasons.”

Ochieng’ further asked the perennial KPL champions to settle his salary arrears amidst troubles on and off the pitch in the 2020/21 FKF Premier League season.

“On another note, I wish to bring to your attention that the club owes me salary arrears for a total of 14 months. I would be most grateful if the club could settle these or let me know how soon the arrears will be settled.

“Once more may I take this opportunity to thank you for the support you have always given me and I wish the club success in its future endeavours,” he concluded.

Gor's confirmation on Twitter that the trainer (Willis Ochieng’ Oganyo) has left the club.

Ochieng’s departure comes two days after Gor Mahia teenage striker Benson Omalla left the club for greener pastures in Sweden.

Speaking to The Standard Sport, Omalla, a Form Four candidate at Kisumu Day High School, revealed that he would be joining Swedish Division One side Linkoping City next month.

The teenage sensation joined K’Ogalo during the 2020 August transfer window from Western Stima, where he had impressed.

He scored nine goals for Stima last season (2019/20), including a hat-trick against Zoo Kericho before the season was prematurely halted after the deadly COVID-19 hit the country.

The Harambee Stars U20 striker became the youngest player to win the KPL Player of the Month Award after SJAK accorded him the award in December 2019.