‘Blackberry’, Momanyi doubtful for Gor’s Caf assignment

Star-man George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo and defender Charles Momanyi are a doubt for Gor Mahia’s weekend Caf- Champions League clash.

K’Ogalo will cross swords with Leone Vegetarians of Equatorial Guinea in the first leg preliminary clash at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, but coach Dylan Kerr could be forced to do without the duo. The visitors are expected in Nairobi on Thursday, February 8, 2018.

Blackberry has been an integral pillar of the squad and his absence may force Kerr to change his game plan.

Odhiambo was not included in the squad that thrashed Nakumatt FC 4-0 in their 2018 league opener last weekend while Momanyi is ill.

According to Kerr, he will substitute the players if they will not be fit by Saturday.

 “We had a couple of injuries last weekend. Blackberry (Odhiambo) was among them but I am happy that most of them are training with us today. Despite the few injuries, I think everybody is eager to play on Saturday,” Kerr told Citizen Digital.

But despite the injury scare, team captain Harun Shakava is optimistic that his team will perform well.

“The team has trained very hard. We got a positive result last weekend(against Nakumatt) and we’re looking forward to avoiding conceding in the match and instead create more chances to score at home,” Shakava said in reference to the goal advantage that plays a crucial role in determining progression to the next phase in the competition.

Despite Musa Mohamed’s departure to Albania side KF Tirana, K’Ogalo’s team manager Jolawi Obondo believes that their defence is still solid and is optimistic that the backline will showcase their quality on Saturday.

“Shakava has seamlessly filled the gap left by Mohammed. He proved it when we played AFC Leopards in the Super Cup and apart from being the captain he scored the only goal which is encouraging,” Obondo said.

At the same time, club vice-chairman John Pesa has called on fans to turn up in large numbers and cheer the team when they take on the opposition.