George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo dropped as Gor head for Cecafa Clubs tourney

AFC's Austin Ikenna (left) and Gor's David Owino during their KPL match at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday. [PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO]

George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo and Ugandan defender Israel Emuge have been left out of Gor Mahia’s squad for the Council of East and Central Africa Football Accociation (Cecafa) Club Championships.

The squad, which will be captained by goalkeeper Jerim Onyango has goal-poacher Danny Sserunkuma, left Patrick Oboya and new comers Arthur Ssemazi, Simon Mburu and Kennedy Opiyo.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions return to the regional stage after 18 years without key players who helped them win the league title last season.

But defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino believes Gor has what it takes to do well in next month’s regional club championships in Rwanda.

“I believe we will do well in the competition despite the absence of some of the payers who helped us win the KPL last season. The players we have acquired this season are up to the task.

“It is a fact that not just anyone can play for Gor Mahia and it is my conviction that the squad can deliver. The pressure to deliver at Gir is high and if anyone can take it then he is a good player.

“In Rwanda, we will not suffer the pressure from our fans and so it gives us a perfect opportunity to deliver. We play better without the pressure,” he said.

Regarding his future at Gor, Owino said does not intend to renew his contract upon expiry next year as he is eying a better deal outside the country.

“I have ambitions to turn professional just like any other player and when the opportunity comes, I intend to take it with both hands,” he said.

Gor are in Group ‘B’ of the club championships alongside APR of Rwanda, KCC of Uganda, Telecom of Djibouti and Flambeau of Burundi.