Gor have opted to start second choice goalkeeper Shaban Odhoji in their KPL match against Kariobangi Sharks. This is after first choice Boniface Oliech made some big errors during their CAF CC match against Yanga.
Boniface Oluoch, who came under a lot of criticism from fans after the match has been ommitted entirely from the match day squad perhaps as punishment for his mistakes or the coach could just be trying to rotate his squad ahead of what looks to be a busy month in which they will play 10 matches.
Odhoji last played for Gor Mahia in the 4-0 demolition of Yanga in Nairobi two weeks ago.
CAPTAIN SHAKAVA TO MAKE HISTORY
The defensive department sees only one change from the squad that played the Tanzanians in the return leg with Charles Momanyi taking Joash Onyango’s place. This means that captain Harun Shakava will be making his 181st appearance for K’Ogallo, making him one of the longest serving players for the team.
180 matches in just 4 and a half years is no joke.
Congrats Shakava and keep on shining for @OfficialGMFC #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/1Kz9ZkejJ5
— Tony Anelka (@tonyanelka) July 31, 2018
A new Look Midfield
Dylan Kerr has opted to rest the majority of his first-team players in the match.
It is the midfield that the Scott has made only retained playmaker Francis Kahata as Lawrence Juma, Cercidy Okeyo and Bernard Ondiek manning the day’s midfield. Ephrem Guikan has been given the attacking role once more as Boniface Oluoch is given right flank duties thus George Odhiambo getting the match needed rest. Humphrey Mieno is also not in the team.
Jacques Tuyisenge who scored a hattrick against Sharks in their first leg encounter is rested too.
Wellington Ochieng settles for a Place on the Bench
Defender Wellington Ochieng who recently made a come back from a five month injury lay-off will have to settle for a place on the bench. The Kenyan international captained the side when they overcame Posta Rangers 3-1 in the Shield Cup last week but it seems the coach wants to ease his way back to the team. Kevin Omondi, who scored a double in the match and started in Tanzania on Sunday is also on what looks like a game changing bench.
Starting XI: Shaban Odhoji, Innocent Wafula, Harun Shakava, Charles Momanyi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Bernard Ondiek, Cercidy Okeyo, Lawrence Juma, Francis Kahata, Ephrem Guikan, Boniface Onyango.
Subs: Peter Odhiambo, Kevin Omondi, Wellington Ochieng, Wesley Onguso, Samwel Onyango, Raphael Asudi.
Tight schedule
And the highlight of this fixtures is the return leg of Mashemeji derby that will be played on August 25 at Kasarani Stadium.
According to a revised fixtures released by KPL , K’Ogalowill also have two Caf Confederation Cup matches in the same month – Rayon Sports (on August 19 at Kasarani) and USM Alger (in Algeria on August 29).
After Sharks, they will face Nakumatt at Machakos on August 4. K’Ogalo will then travel to Mombasa to face Bandari on August 7 and then return to Narok to clash with Posta Rangers on August 10.