Pamzo explains reason for K’Ogalo’s recent dismal run
Football
By
Ben Ahenda
| Jul 28, 2021
Gor Mahia interim coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo feels the departure of some of their key players coupled with injuries ruined their chances of retaining the FKF Premier League.
The record Kenyan champions have been blowing hot and cold throughout the season and are currently tied on 40 points with sixth placed Bandari.
K’Ogalo have gone seven matches in the league without winning (three draws and four losses) with their last victory coming against Sofapaka (1-0) on June 20.
Just like in the recent past years, the latest departures at K’Ogalo led by instrumental midfielder Kenneth Muguna and defender Charles Momanyi which have been trickled by the unending financial challenges at the club appears to have affected their performance.
Muguna has joined Tanzanian Premier League side Azam while Momanyi crossed over to current league leaders Tusker.
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And after disappointingly watching his side fall 1-0 to Ulinzi Stars on Monday at ASK Nakuru Showground, Omollo blamed lack of experience for the defeat.
“We have started performing dismally in the league because some of our key players have left the club in search for greener pastures while others are nursing injuries,” said Omollo.
“For instance, Muguna’s absence was heavily felt in our match against Ulinzi Stars. Some players have even been playing with injuries. For now, I’m forced to use what I have in camp until the end of the season.”
With Geoffrey Ochieng and Philemon Otieno still sidelined with injuries and exciting defender Frank Odhiambo away on a national team duty (Emerging Stars) at the Cecafa U23 championship in Ethiopia, Omollo had less options at the back.
“Two of my experienced defenders are out injured and Odhiambo is currently in Ethiopia for Cecafa U23, but I believe the available players will give their best and ensure we finish in a respectable position. All the same, we must improve on our training strategies to achieve that target,” he said.
“We were doing better in the league when all our players were available for selection but right now the options have become limited.”
But the former Kenyan international is confident of helping the team bounce back to the winning ways against their perennial rivals AFC Leopards on Sunday.
“We have a better history in derbies and we believe that game will offer us a good chance to bounce back, “said Omollo.
Meanwhile, Kenya U23 national team, Emerging Stars was yesterday knocked out of the Cecafa U23 tournament by Burundi 4-2 on penalties after a barren draw in regular time.