Gor Mahia are heading into a crucial FKF Premier League clash against Talanta with more than just on-field issues to worry about. While the defending champions have an opportunity to close the gap at the top, tensions within the squad could prove to be their biggest hurdle.
Last weekend, Gor Mahia failed to take advantage of Kenya Police’s dropped points, stumbling to a disappointing draw against Sofapaka. Now, with a game in hand, they face Talanta, a team sitting lower on the league table but still capable of causing an upset.
The atmosphere around Gor Mahia’s camp has been tense due to a strained relationship between two of their star players: midfielder Austin Odhiambo and striker Benson Omala. Both have been key contributors to the team’s success, with Omala being the club’s top scorer last season. However, recent reports suggest that their chemistry on the field has taken a hit.
The rift stems from alleged issues between coach Sinisa Mihic and his technical bench, which have reportedly spilled over to the players. Mihic has accused his technical staff of attempting to sabotage him by using Odhiambo in ways that disrupt his tactics. The coach pointed to a moment during the Sofapaka match when Odhiambo slowed down play despite Omala and Bryson being in prime positions to score. Mihic made it clear that if Odhiambo couldn’t follow instructions, he would be sidelined.
Despite these accusations, Odhiambo has distanced himself from any wrongdoing and denied claims of sabotage. According to him, the issues between him and Mihic are misunderstandings that can be worked through. The tension has even led to Mihic storming out of the Dandora Stadium during the Sofapaka match, where he was serving a three-match ban from the stands.
This breakdown in communication comes at a delicate time for Gor Mahia, who need their top players to perform at their best in order to stay in the title race. Odhiambo and Omala’s goal-scoring record against Talanta offers hope, with Odhiambo having scored five goals and Omala four in past encounters with the side. If the duo can regain their chemistry, Gor Mahia could make a significant push for the top spot.
In a positive turn, reports indicate that Mihic has reconciled with his technical bench, and Odhiambo has firmly denied any involvement in sabotaging the coach’s efforts. For the K’Ogalo faithful, this reconciliation offers a glimmer of hope that the squad can put aside their differences and focus on the upcoming battle against Talanta. A victory here could go a long way in reestablishing their dominance at the top of the FKFPL.
