Suspended Gatusso Okoth back at Gor but is it too late?

Midfielder Collins ‘Gatusso’ Okoth is back at Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia, the club confirmed Wednesday.

Team Manager Jolawi Obondo told Citizen Digital the title-winning player will feature in Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby against archrivals AFC Leopards.

“Gatusso was out on suspension and not injury as was reported by media houses. It is normal for any team to suspend a player who does not conduct himself according to set regulations,” the official added.

Whilst Obondo declined to elaborate on the reasons behind the suspension of the key midfielder, a team insider who declined to be named said the player regularly skipped training and at times came late and was never ready to explain the reasons behind his actions.

“’I can assure you that he is likely to feature in all the remaining league matches, and it is my hope that he has leant a lesson of his life,” Obondo underscored.

The Green Army fans have been vocal in demanding the midfielder’s return as they watch their side surrender the league title to Tusker FC following a poor spate of results in the run in.

On Wednesday, the team was held to a 2-2 draw by battling Western Stima to all but end their title hopes at Nyayo Stadium, making the Mashemeji Derby a fixture to play for pride with Tusker (51) six points ahead with four games to go.

Obondo appealed to the supporters to remain calm despite the disappointment since match stoppages caused by unrest in the stands was costing the club dearly as he gave underfire head coach, Brazilian Marcelo ‘Ze Maria’ Ferreira his vote of confidence.

“It is all about winning, drawing or losing. Even giant football teams in the world at time lose matches. We have also not come to the point of showing our coach the door. It is too early,” he told.