Gor Mahia's Dependable Duo Suffer Strained Relationship Ahead of Talanta Clash

Austin Odhiambo (center) jubilantly celebrates with teammates Benson Omala (L) and Sylvester Owino (R) after a victorious match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, in the FKF Premier League. © Gor Mahia

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Austin Odhiambo (center) jubilantly celebrates with teammates Benson Omala (L) and Sylvester Owino (R) after a victorious match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, in the FKF Premier League. © Gor Mahia

Gor Mahia's Dependable Duo Suffer Strained Relationship Ahead of Talanta Clash

Stephen Awino 07:28 - 24.04.2025

Gor Mahia are facing a tricky test as two of their most prolific scorers are allegedly out of sync with each other.

FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia have an opportunity to close the gap at the summit with Thursday's clash against Talanta.

Last weekend's league action saw the defending champions fail to capitalize fully on Kenya Police's dropped points, faltering against Sofapaka themselves.

K'Ogalo now face an opportunity to take advantage of their game in hand but are up against a daunting challenge in Talanta.

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What Happened?

Gor Mahia. Austin Odhiambo.
Austin Odhiambo has distanced himself from claims of sabotaging coach Sinisa Mihic. Photo Courtesy: Gor Mahia Media.

While Talanta sit low on the FKFPL log, it is Gor Mahia’s own camp that is cause for concern.

The rift between Gor Mahia coach Sinisa Mihic and his technical bench has allegedly spilled over to the players, with midfielder Austin Odhiambo's and striker Benson Omala's relationship on the pitch reportedly suffering.

Mihic, who has claimed that the midfielder was being used to sabotage him by his technical bench—Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, Michael Nam, and Victor Nyaoro—pointed out that his chemistry with Omala had been affected during the Sofapaka clash.

“He (Odhiambo) should even have been substituted in the game against Sofapaka. He had the ball, slowed the game down knowingly, and even when Omala and Bryson were in a good position to score, he couldn’t give them the ball," said Mihic, as quoted by Nation Sports.

“I’m the coach, and if he feels he is at a level where he can’t follow my instructions, then he wouldn’t be part of my team.”

This breakdown in communication saw the tactician storm out of the Dandora Stadium on Saturday, where he was serving a three-match ban from the stands.

The Bigger Picture

Gor Mahia. Benson Omala. Pulse Sports Kenya. Kenya Premier League. FKF Premier League. FKFPL. KPL.
Benson Omala was Gor Mahia's last season's top scorer. IMAGE/ Capital FM.

This is a worrying scenario for Gor Mahia, as Odhiambo and Omala are two of their proven goal scorers who helped guide them to the title last season.

The duo boasts a prolific goal-scoring record against Talanta, with Odhiambo sitting on five and Omala on four.

K'Ogalo will need their dynamic duo to click, as they have done before, as they aim to sink Talanta and close the gap at the summit.

As per previous reports by Pulse Sports, Mihic has reconciled with his technical bench, while Odhiambo has denied involvement in the alleged sabotage—offering some hope for the K'Ogalo faithful.