GOR’S CUSTODIAN RETIRES: Club will offer ‘King Jerry’ a position in the coaching unit

Gor Mahia goalkeeper Jerim Onyango against Anse Re-Union of Seychelles in the first leg of their CAF Confederations Cup match at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday 16/02/13.PHOTOS:BONIFACE OKENDO

When the history of how Gor Mahia came from the doldrums to return to the top is written, one player will not miss a mention - Fredrick Jerim Onyango, popularly known as ‘King Jerry’.

For nine years, Onyango has served Gor Mahia diligently as a captain. Onyango was there when the club was at its worst, when winning was more difficult for Gor Mahia than losing — when relegation looked a reality.

That was nine years ago when fans had abandoned the then ailing club, when very few would want to be officials of the club and those who were there did little to inspire the team.

Financially, the club was down in the dumps, as players would go for months on end without salaries and allowances and would be lucky to be paid. Once in a while, fans would do impromtu harambees during matches to give players something to take home.

But while some players opted out, Onyango stayed on. While some players would complain on social media over unpaid salaries, Onyango rarely made noise. A true leader he has been.

He won three league titles, two Top 8 titles and three GOtv titles.

On Monday, he announced he wants to pursue other interests in politics after being excluded in the 2017 squad. He wants to be a Member of County Assembly in Ugunja, Siaya county.

But it’s the safe hands he provided Gor Mahia for nine years that he will be remembered for.

Very few players, in fact none in the current Kenyan Premier League, have been so loyal to one club as Onyango.

He joined Gor Mahia from Kenya Revenue Authority in 2008. In those days he would be dismissed as just any other goalkeeper. There was nothing special about him.

But through sheer hard work and discipline, Onyango grew to become one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

He thought about his future long time and enrolled for a Public Relations course in one of the local universities and will be through by this year March.

When Boniface Oluoch arrived at Gor, Onyango was relegated to the bench but he was fine with that.

“At the end of the day, what mattered most is the team was winning. It is not always that I have to play, I was still in the team,” he said.

In announcing his retirement, Onyango said: “It’s my pleasure to take a moment to say a big word of – THANK YOU – to Gor Mahia fraternity. There comes a time when a player has to retire from active football and I am no exception as I had to do that after nine years at the club. I honestly and will truly treasure all the moments we shared in the club because all through those nine seasons, I achieved what I would have yearned for as a player in local football.”

“First, my appreciation goes to the Gor Mahia FC for believing in me in all those nine years where I offered my services as a goalkeeper. Gor Mahia made me who I am and for that, I owe the club a great deal. THANK YOU.

“To my team mates, thanks for the good and bad times we shared together as a team. The hard work and discipline that saw us achieve what was admired by many should continue because success is all you can be proud of as a player. Whatever you achieve in your career will go a long way in life.”

To all Gor Mahia fans, a big thank you for the role you play within Gor Mahia circles. You are a true picture of what fans should be to a team. Your massive support is a huge element in every step the team makes and am urging you to keep the fire burning. Be close to the team and support all players all through no matter what the situation is.”

Club officials say Onyango will be given a new role within the club technical staff in the junior teams.

“He has been a true and loyal servant to the club, while we wish him well in his new endeavours, we will also offer him a position within the club. We have youth team coming up and he will definitely be one of those in charge,” club chairman Ambrose Rachier said.

Club Deputy Secretary General Ronald Ngala also praised Onyango and promised offer his help. “Compared to our current crop of players Jerry stood out as a player with alot of patience. He offered good leadership and guidance and mastered the culture of Gor Mahia as a club,” Ngala. 

“I can only wish him the very best in his future endeavours and as one of the longest-serving members of the club, I promise that I’ll do anything within my capacity to see him progress not just in the field of political leadership but also if he chooses to do some coaching job to make his footballing career complete,” he added.