Gor Skipper Otieno 'Happy' Despite Limited Playing Time

 Gor Mahia skipper Philemon Otieno says ‘he is happy’ that his team is still unbeaten despite warming the bench for the better part of the season.

 According to Otieno, it is at the discretion of the head coach to decide whom to field in a given match.

 ‘’What makes me happy as the captain is that my team is still unbeaten. My absence from the pitch is a non-issue since it is the coach who decides who to field and who to start from the bench. We all respect our head coach as players’’, said Otieno

Vice-captain Geoffrey Ochieng has had control of the armband this season even as Rooney Onyango and Paul Ochuoga have been preferred by the head coach in the right-back position, a position regularly played by the captain.

Earlier on, talking on the same issue, team manager Victor Nyaoro had also indicated that benching a player does not mean he is inferior.

Nyaoro said Gor has a big number of good players hence all individuals must compete for positions.

 ‘’Our squad is so competitive and the coach will pick the best depending on the latest impressions from the week’s trainings.’’

Meanwhile Otieno says he is confident with their current form, noting that Gor can finish the season unbeaten.

Gor are the only unbeaten side in the topflight this season after 17 rounds and occupy top spot with 37 points, seven more that second-placed City Stars.

Despite sitting at the summit of the league, Gor’s lethargic display in front of goal seems to be their biggest undoing that could derail their title celebrations with most of their matches ending in a solitary goal win, which is a far cry from the past when they enjoyed the services of free scoring marksmen like Meddie Kagere, Jacques Tuyisenge and Michael Olunga.

Otieno however says the current league is more competitive noting that teams do prepare well ahead of facing Gor Mahia. 

“It is true we are not high scoring. What I can say is that as champions, teams do prepare well ahead of playing against us.

“But what is important is winning the 21st title and possibly finishing unbeaten.’’

He however says ready to make a comeback to continental action noting that they are not taking chances until that mission is accomplished.

Gor play their next match away to Kariobangi Sharks this Saturday in Machakos.