What award winning Gor Mahia goalkeeper is angling for after the big Harambee Stars snub

What award winning Gor Mahia goalkeeper is angling for after the big Harambee Stars snub

Mark Kinyanjui 07:30 - 28.05.2024

Omondi joined Gor Mahia as a back up goalkeeper, but has gone on to cement his status as first choice goalkeeper.

Gor Mahia goalkeeper Kevin Omondi has expressed his delight at clinching the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) golden glove and league title with the club in his first season following his move from Sofapaka last July.

Omondi has  emerged as the Golden Glove winner, boasting 19 clean sheets—six more than second-placed Patrick Matasi—with three games remaining in the season.

Speaking as quoted on Mozzart Sport, Omondi expressed his delight at having become the latest member of the goalkeepers’ union to have joined the stellar list of shutout records in Kenya’s top flight.

"I am so happy and proud of myself for this achievement,” Omondi said.

“I am also thankful to my teammates and the whole team; together, we made this possible.”

Omondi remains hungry for more clean sheets given he is now available for selection again after serving his suspension following the marching orders he received during the last Mashemeji Derby.

"I am looking forward to adding some more clean sheets and seeing how far I can go because we still have a few games left," Omondi remarked

The 27-year-old was not even a regular at his previous club, where he competed for the number one shirt with Simon Masaka, who last June, received a call up to the national team following a string of impressive performances that made it difficult for Omondi to get the playing time he needed.

Joining Gor Mahia and expecting to be first choice was a tall order, considering he was facing competition from last season’s golden glove winner Gad Mathews and youngster Caleb Omondi.

Mathews was going through personal issues in the off season and his contract was reportedly expiring. Omondi by contrast, was error-prone especially given his shaky display against Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Charity Shield cup.

This gave Omondi an opportunity to break into the first team, something he took with both hands.

"When I joined, I wasn't sure I would be the first-choice goalkeeper, but from the moment I stepped onto the team, I focused on working hard and fighting for my place."

Omondi has praised his fellow custodian Caleb, thanking the competition he brought to the table which pushed him towards becoming first choice.

"There is competition at Gor Mahia, and Caleb is a good goalkeeper. I was sure he would help the team. I thrive in competition, so I was never worried about losing my place. I kept working hard in training and left the rest to the gaffer."

Next up for Omondi is to try and force his way into the thinking of Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat, who made it clear that the door was open for anyone to come in and impress him in order to help Kenya achieve its targets.

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