Peter Dawo's counsel to K’Ogalo prodigy Benson Omala over transfer

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FOOTBALL Peter Dawo's counsel to K’Ogalo prodigy Benson Omala over transfer

Joel Omotto • 12:20 - 16.05.2023

The former striker has weighed in on the speculation linking the league’s leading scorer with a move abroad

Gor Mahia legend Peter Dawo has advised the club’s leading scorer Benson Omala against making a hurried move away from the club. Dawo contends that Omala needs one more year with the record champions before switching clubs.

Omala has enjoyed a great season with Gor, scoring 25 goals to lead the Football Kenya Federation Premier League golden boot race, and he is just one away from breaking the record of 26 set by former Gor player Maurice ‘Sony’ Ochieng set in 1976.

His efficiency in front of goal has seen a number of clubs outside the country credited with an interest with South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates among those reportedly eyeing the striker.

However, Dawo, himself a revered striker for Gor in the late 1980s and 90s, feels the 21-year-old is still not ripe for a move out of the country.

“He is not there yet, he is coming up well, but he needs another step,” Dawo told Pulse Sports.

“Omala should play one more season at Gor. If he can do the 2023-24 season, it would help him get to that level. He will climb another step and will be ripe for a move.”

“Even if Gor receive a bumper offer, he should tell the club that he wants to stay so that he matures, polish up before he leaves. The club cannot say no unless he refuses.”

Dawo knows all about scoring goals, having been a lethal striker for Gor during two spells between 1987 and 1991.

He joined Gor in 1987 helped them win the league and cup double that year before putting the icing on the cake with the Mandela Cup (now CAF Confederation Cup) victory where he emerged top scorer in the competition with 10 goals, nine of them headers.

To show just how a big impact he had, Dawo was shortlisted for the 1987 African Player of the Year and finished seventh. He left Gor in 1990 for Egyptian side Arab Contractors before switching to Oman with Al-Seeb the following season and from his experience, Omala would be a hit wherever he decides to go when he finally makes the move abroad.

“It is up to him to choose where to go next, whether in South Africa or Europe, he is good enough he can hit the ground running,” Dawo added.

Omala still has four games to add to his tally, with Gor set to face Tusker FC, Posta Rangers, Kakamega Homeboyz and Nairobi City Stars in their remaining four games.