Gor Mahia welcome back assistant captain after seven months out

FKF Premier League table toppers Gor Mahia have announced the registration of assistant captain Geoffrey 'Simiti' Ochieng for the second leg of the season after missing the opening leg due to injury.

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The experienced left-back underwent knee surgery last year and was unable to participate in the first leg. As a result, he was unregistered at the time, with the club allowing him additional time to make a full recovery.

The former Western Stima defender has been training with the squad in recent weeks, and the club confirmed his registration for the second leg in a statement posted on their social media pages.

“Geoffrey Ochieng is back. The defender has been registered during the mid-season transfer window after successfully recovering from last year’s surgery, marking his return to the squad. The left-back is now on fire,” read the statement.

Ochieng’s return gives Gor Mahia four left-backs at their disposal, with the possibility that one could be moved before the mid-season window closes.

Youngster Bryton Anyona is currently the undisputed starter in the position. Levin Odhiambo and wantaway Siraj Mohammed are also available, and now Ochieng’s inclusion adds further options for head coach Charles Akonnor.

Siraj had expressed his desire to leave, with KCB FC and Bandari FC showing interest in signing him, but the club declined. Siraj had struggled for playing time since joining Gor Mahia.

Ochieng, serving as the club’s assistant captain, is one of the longest-serving players at Gor Mahia, having joined seven years ago from Western Stima.

He has won several league titles with the club and will be hoping to help skipper the team to their 22nd league title, with main captain Philemon Otieno now doubling as the club’s team manager.