Blow to Gor as CAF suspends skipper Shakava, Onyango

Continental governing body CAF has suspended Gor Mahia FC’s Harun Shakava and Joash Onyango, dealing the Kenyan champions a major blow ahead of Confederation Cup clash against New Star de Douala of Cameroon.

CAF cited indiscipline for suspending the central defence partners after they were involved in a scuffle as well as using abusive language during their CAF Champions League defeat in Nigeria at the hands of Lobi Stars.

As described in a letter dated December 29 2018 (screenshots published below), CAF said there were quite a number of incidences on the pitch that called for centre referee’s action where six  Gor Mahia players were cautioned.

“We remind you that the referee report is authoritative regarding incidences that occurred on the field of play. The referee reported to the Disciplinary Board that the following player(s) was (were) cautioned – Samuel Onyango, Jacques Tuyisenge, Joash Onyango, Haron Shakava, Mustafa Francis and Humphrey Mieno,” stated the part of the letter.

‘abusive language’

Shakava was in involved in a physical altercation with Lobi Stars goalkeeper when he retaliated to a slap by the Nigerian custodian. Joash on the other hand was reported for using ‘abusive language’ aimed at the referee.

“Reports indicate that player no. 12 Joash Onyango came towards the referee at the end of the match and insulted him with abusive language.

“Furthermore, the goalkeeper of Lobi Stars, John Lawrence (16) slapped player no. 18 Haron Shakava of Gor Mahia who then went to kick back the goalkeeper. The referee was about to show them red cards yet the referees were evacuated by the police due to the pitch invasion.

“Therefore you are kindly requested to note that both Gor Mahia players no. 12 and no. 18 are provisionally suspended from taking part in CAF inter-clubs matches until the submission of the case to CAF Disciplinary board in its next meeting (January 13).

Out of the six players cautioned, captain Shakava and his fellow centre half Onyango will have to stay out of Sunday’s CAF Confederation knock out match against New Star de Douala of Cameroon   until their case is discussed in a disciplinary meeting in Cairo, Egypt on January 13.

Gor Mahia will have to work with the available centre-backs in Charles Momanyi, Pascal Ogweno and Joachim Oluoch in Sunday’s first leg match against the Cameroonian side.

-Additional information sourced from the Gor Mahia FC website