He can help the team, Gor Mahia coach backs returning Omala

Gor Mahia head coach Manuel Vaz Pinto has backed striker Benson Omala to help his team achieve its goals after the Kenya U20 forward prematurely ended his time with Swedish club, FC Linkoping City.

The youngster moved to Sweden in May to link up with the third-tier side. His loan deal from Gor Mahia was to last until December 2021, the club was to rope him in permanently if he impressed during his temporary stay with the team.

Things did not go as planned and Omala opted out on Saturday. He is said to have been frustrated over unfulfilled promises. He has already relinked up with his parent club Gor Mahia.

Pinto has now waded into the debate. The Portuguese tactician says the player has the potential to help the team achieve its goals. He however added that the player needs time to adjust to some things.

"Benson is one player who can help the team achieve its goals. He is a player who has potential but needs to be inserted in a team that is different from what the player knows”.

“So, it needs some time but he can add different characteristics to the players we have for that position. There comes a time when we don’t have many options in his position but we need to assess how he is at this moment,” he told the club’s official website.

On his part, the attacker said that he had picked invaluable lessons which he intends to use to bounce back.

“I am back… I have picked my lessons and l will strategize on how well to build my football career. People will talk but let them talk – I have read/heard a lot about my return, some of which are just created stories but am calm and focused,” he said.

Omala added that he is going to work hard and is focused on helping Gor Mahia perform well.

“I will keep working hard and I am keen on helping my team to do well. There are a good number of matches remaining in the season and my target is to score goals and help the team achieve the best,” he added.