Gor boss Pollack says Otieno ‘not ready’ until March

Gor Mahia FC defender will not feature in a game for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions until March despite returning to training, coach Steve Pollack has said.

Pollack said Otieno is ‘responding well’ in training the technical bench is still cautious about fielding the Kenyan international following a ligament injury that kept him sidelined for close to five months.

Otieno went under the knife after picking an injury on August 4 at Kasarani during a CHAN qualifier against Tanzania and while Pollack says Otieno is not complaining of any pain, he will need more time out.

In his absence, Wellington Ochieng has stepped up to fill his void while midfielder Bernard Ondiek has also been used as a back up at right back position.

Gor reclaimed the KPL top spot on Wednesday when they defeated Sofapaka FC 2-1 in Kisumu and have one game in hand over their closest rivals.

In a post match interview, coach steven Pollack admitted his boys wasted numerous scoring chances but expressed his delight at the second half comeback which earned them the winner courtesy of skipper Kenneth Muguna’s header.

“We missed a lot of open chances but I am happy they made a strong comeback which earned us the three crucial points,” Pollack said.

Pollack made three substitutions in the second half introducing Ugandan import Juma Balinya in the striking force with Samwel Onyango coming in to strengthen the midfield.

The introduction of the duo sent Kennedy Otieno and Ernest Wendo to the bench while left back Geoffrey Ochieng was introduced, resting midfielder turned defender Bernard Ondiek.

This substitution bore fruit with Clifton Miheso looping the ball to find Kenneth Muguna for a free header beating goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato to give Kógalo the winner.

Gor next play host Nzoia Sugar on Sunday while Sofapaka will meet Mathare United on the same match day. With all the continental assignments off their calendar for the rest of the season, Gor are seemingly determined to add another trophy to their cabinet.