Ouna puts Gor exit behind to focus on Stars role

After throwing in the towel on Sunday, former Gor Mahia assistant coach Frank Ouna is focused on his national team Harambee Stars role after following boss, Frank Nuttall out of the reigning SportPesa Premier League champions last week.

“My decision to quit as the assistant and caretaker coach for Gor Mahia had nothing to do with the team’s performance.

“I had contractual issues with the club that forced me to quit and to be honest before I made that decision on Sunday it was always inevitable that I would at some point. I have been having contractual issues with the club that the club failed to settle for the last 6 to 8 months,” Ouna told Citizen TV.

“At that time I could not talk about it because the club and I were in talks about the matter,”

Ouna denied his decision to quit might have been influenced by his role with the national team saying he was well able of handling both sides.

“I was at liberty of handling both teams. When Nick Mwendwa announced my position with Stars I got a feeling that sooner or later I’d have to quit Gor and shift all my focus to the national team. I however, did not expect to be parting ways with the team in two weeks or in even a month,” he reckoned.

Ouna categorically denounced the notion Nutall, who pitched tent at Cairo giants Zamalek, influenced his decision that came last Saturday after he led K’Ogalo to a 2-2 draw against Nairobi City Stars by leaving the record 15-time domestic league champions 72 hours earlier.

“No it had nothing to do with my decision, simply because my problem with the club started while Nutall was still at the club. I would have left had he stayed on. I have absolutely no personal issues with the club,” adds Ouna.

Ouna says prior to Ze Maria’s signing by Gor he had never heard of him and promised to help the Brazilian settle at the club if such kind of assistance is sought from him.

“I was not fired by the club and in one way or another if am required to assist during this transition period I will be glad to extend my hand.”

Ouna stressed that his relationship with the club remains professional and wished his former side all the best as they look to defend the SPL title.