Youngsters Macharia, Nondi join ‘Marcelo’ in Georgia

Kenya Under-20 duo John Macharia and Amos Nondi have signed a three-year contract each with Georgian topflight side FC Kolkheti Poti.

Macharia has been on loan at National Super League (NSL) side FC Talanta from Kenyan Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks, while Nondi has been with 15-time Kenyan Premier league (KPL) champions Gor Mahia since last season when he was promoted from the junior ranks.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, an ecstatic Macharia said the move realized his boyhood dreams to play professionally in Europe.

“It’s a good opportunity that comes rarely. I am happy but most important is to go work for my place in the team. My ambition has always been playing in the top leagues in Europe but this i hope will be a good start in my career,” charged the former Laiser Hill Academy attacker.

Kolkheti which currently lies 9th in first division Erovnuli Liga will now have three Kenyans, with the duo linking up with former Gor Mahia defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma who is a regular in the first team.

Nondi had 18 months remaining in his contract with Gor Mahia, while Macharia had signed a 2-year contract with the Sharks in January 2017.  According to the pair’s local agent,the duo could maintain the same playing positions when they chart  new career paths in Georgia.

“I don’t expect any surprise, they will definitely pair just as they have done in the national team. Both are creative midfielders who can score and its a quality their new employer is keen to sharpen.

“We cannot however preempt anything, let’s wait and see how they develop out there,” told the intermediary.

John Kamau, the U-20 coach, has interchangeably slotted Nondi and Macharia as number 10 and 8 respectively in his team.

The pair will travel Monday July 10 and could make their debut for their new club on July 21 against current league leaders in the Georgian first division FC Dinamo Tbilisi.