SportPesa League leaders Gor Mahia have been handed a timely lift ahead of a crucial stretch in the title run-in, with dependable centre-back Sylvester Owino returning to full team training.
The Harambee Stars defender had been sidelined for several weeks after picking up an injury during K’Ogalo’s 3-1 victory over Ulinzi Stars in March, where an MRI confirmed a partial tear of the lower medial gastrocnemius muscle.
Owino’s absence had forced Gor Mahia to reshuffle at the heart of defence with Frank Odhiambo partnering Mike Kibwage during a demanding period, including the high-stakes Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards.
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Gor Mahia’s title race gets a major lift with the return of a key defender
Despite missing the defender, Gor Mahia edged their arch-rivals 1-0 in a tightly contested affair at Nyayo Stadium, a result that pushed them six points clear at the summit with five matches left to play.
Now back in contention, Owino is eager to make up for lost time and contribute to the club’s push for the title. Reflecting on his recovery, the centre-back admitted the period on the sidelines tested him mentally as much as physically.
“It has not been easy; it was a little setback, but I am glad to be back. I have been training on the side, but now I am fully back in team training, so thank God. I hope to help the team fight in the remaining matches to ensure we get the title,” he said.
The defender acknowledged the difficulty of watching from the stands while his teammates battled on the pitch, noting the pressure that comes with being part of a title-chasing side.
“When you are a player and you are up there, the pressure and also wanting to be on that pitch, you know… but generally it was not bad. I saw my teammates fighting and I was happy, though in some matches we did not get the results we wanted. But I am glad we are still there, we are hanging on to fight for the team in the remaining matches,” he added.
With the finish line now in sight, Owino believes Gor Mahia must approach the final five fixtures with focus and consistency if they are to secure their 22nd league title.
“I think we want to try and get as many points as possible, if possible maximum, which is 15 in the remaining five matches, but we will take one game at a time.”
Attention now shifts to Sunday’s clash against Kakamega Homeboyz at Mumias Complex, a fixture that carries added significance for Owino, who will be facing his former side. The defender expects a tough encounter but remains confident in his team’s readiness.
“It is not going to be an easy game for sure, being that they are also fighting to finish in a good position. So I know that we are going to face stiff competition, but we are ready. The boys are ready to make sure we take the points and focus on the next.”
Beyond the tactical battles on the pitch, Owino also called on Kogalo fans to maintain their strong backing as the team enters the decisive phase of the campaign.
“Just like in the Mashemeji Derby, the turnout was marvelous. So I just want to urge them to continue with the same spirit,come support the team, come push us so that we get the maximum out of ourselves as well.”
With their defensive pillar back in the fold and momentum firmly on their side, Gor Mahia will be looking to tighten their grip at the top with a win against Kakamega Homeboyz on Sunday.
