Gor Mahia parts ways with Congolese striker

FKF Premier League record champions Gor Mahia have confirmed the axing of Congolese import Gedeon Bendeka as the club's purge continues.

K'Ogalo have been on a major restructuring of the squad, signing players and dropping others in equal measure since missing out on both the FKF Premier League and the Mozzart Bet Cup.

In a communication through the club's social media pages, Gor announced the departure of the 26-year-old.

“We have parted ways with striker Gedeon Bendeka on mutual agreement; We are grateful for his dedication and service and wish him the very best in his endeavor,” read Gor Mahia's post.

Bendeka joined Gor Mahia just before the start of the 2024/25 season from Congolese side Etincelles Gisenyi as a replacement for Benson Omalla, who had departed the club after winning the FKF Premier League golden boot.

However, Bendeka started the season on a low, and was conspicuously missing in the squad as Gor Mahia took on Al Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

With high expectations also in the league from the Green Army who were used to Omalla, Bendeka faced heavy criticism from the K'Ogalo faithful for a performance that they considered to be below par.

In the end, the Congolese rarely started matches, and scored just six league goals throughout the season, 13 fewer than what Omalla scored in the previous season.

Bendeka’s last appearance for the 21-time league champions was a second half cameo in their 1-0 loss to Nairobi United in the Mozzart Bet Cup Final.

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Apart from Bandeka, K'Ogalo had initially announced the departures of Kennedy Onyango, Rodgers Ouma and goalkeeper Caleb Otieno.

In anticipation of a title challenge, Gor Mahia have signed Harambee Stars quartet of goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, left back Siraj Mohammed, as well as defenders Michael Kibwage from Tusker FC and former AFC Leopards assistant captain Lewis Bandi.

K'Ogalo have also been boosted by the early return of vice captain Geoffrey ‘Simiti' Ochieng from injury after a two-month absence.

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