Walusimbi exit a blow to our continental cup dream – Shakava

Gor Mahia skipper Harun Shakava has conceded Godffrey Walusimbi’s departure from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) record champions is a big blow to their CAF- Confederations campaign.

Gor are just a win away from sealing a quarter finals berth of the Caf- club championship, but will have to navigate their way without the input of the auxiliary Ugandan international who has ditched them for South African side Kaizer Chiefs.

Shakava admits Walusimbi’s experience and familiarity with the African football will be missed in Gor’s quest to repeat the 1987 exploits when they won the Nelson Mandela Cup.

“He has been a pillar in our team ever since he joined. His performance on the pitch has always been what you want everyone to give. He has wealth of knowledge in African football so you know what it means…,” observed Shakava.

He is however confident the depth in Gor’s squad will soon cover the gap soon.

“That is a reality in football, good players will come and go but the club remains. Those who remain must show their worth and commitment to win. We have to continue, and do our best with the players we have,” underscored the skipper.

His teammate Jacques Tuyisenge feels the absence of Walusimbi will not be felt as much.

“Walusimbi is good player but Gor has many good players. Nothing stops in a club when a player leaves, but those who remain must work hard to ensure there is good cover especially in case of a senior player,” the Rwandese striker said.

Walusimbi was a utility man at KÓgalo, his ability to play in  various positions apart from his usual left-back, coming in handy in many occasions.

Walusimbi is the second high profile player to ditch Gor in the current campaign after Meddie Kagere who was signed byTanzanian Premier League side Simba in June.

His immediate replacement Francis Mustapha (Burundi) is yet to fit in his big shoes, scoring only once in the KPL so far, against Posta Rangers.

Gor play Rayon Sport of Rwanda on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Ksarani before completing their group matches with an away clash to Algiers, Algeria against USM Algers a week later.