Gor strips Shakava of the arm band as Otieno takes over

Record league champions Gor Mahia have announced the stripping of Haron Shakava of the captaincy role, less than a year since he was handed the role.

In the changes announced by the club leadership on Tuesday the immediate former first vice-captain Philemon Otieno takes over as the new captain.

In a post on the Gor Mahia official page, the long-serving right back has been handed the role and will be deputized by speedy winger Samwel Onyango.

‘’Philemon Otieno to be our captain, moving forward. He will be assisted by Sammy Onyango,’’ read part of the post.

Shakava was handed the captaincy role in March 2021 upon return from his trade in Zambia, with the then captain Kenneth Muguna being stripped of the arm-band.

Shakava is reportedly targeting a move to Police FC where some of his former team mates Clifton Miheso and Francis Kahata have been absorbed.

The changes that also saw coach Mark Harrison , his assistant Sammy Omollo ‘Pamzo’ and goalkeeping trainer Jerim Onyango fired also handed long-serving shot stopper Boniface Oluoch the goalkeeper trainer role.

“Boniface Oluoch will be our goalkeeper trainer on an interim basis. He will also be eligible for selection between the sticks.’’

The changes have come at a time when the newly appointed Gor Mahia coach Andreas Spier has hinted at going for ‘immediate’ results.

The German coach who spoke immediately after his unveiling on Tuesday said he is aware of the expectations both from the club leadership and the fans.

“I’m taking up this role well aware of the expectations from the team and the fans as well. I will put my all to start producing results,’’ said the coach.

The German signed a ‘six months’ contract with the option of extension depending on the performance. He takes over from fired Mark Harrison, who has been in-charge for less than a season.

Micheal Nam will deputize Spier even as the long-serving team manager Jolawi Obondo was spared the axe despite the technical bench being sent home.

In an earlier interview with our sister station Ramogi FM, Jolawi defended his retention as the Team Manager saying his role is well defined and he cannot be blamed for the club’s poor performance.

"Yes, I’m part of the technical bench, but I am not the coach. My role is quite different from what is expected of the coach. I am not to blame for the poor run.

 KÓgalo sit fifth on the standings after 16 outings, 6 points behind leaders Kakamega Homeboyz and Spier’s first assignment will be on Sunday, February 6 against sixth placed Posta Rangers.