Thriving Gor Mahia midfielder lauds Pinto for league debut

Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango has hailed his immediate former coach Carlos Vaz Pinto for introducing him to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League. 

Pinto handed the youngster his league debut during their 3-1 win over Mathare United in January, a match which he put the icing on the cake as he netted the third goal. 

Onyango joined the record Kenyan champions last year from Green Commandos but the congestion in his preferred area of operation confined him to a bench warmer.

However, the arrival of Pinto who replaced Brazilian Roberto Oliveira in January revived his hopes of donning the green shirt as the Portuguese molded him to a starter. 

The May coach of the month award recipient also gave national U20 defender Frank Odhiambo a chance in the first team and the burly defender has lived up to the expectations. 

"I am grateful to coach Pinto for trusting in me and giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent. I had waited for my top flight debut for more than a year. He helped me develop my technical ability and instilled confidence in me," he said. 

Pinto caught many by surprise when he left the club last week leaving his assistant Sammy Omollo to take charge. 

His unceremonious exit left Onyango a disappointed player as he says he wanted the former St Georges coach to call the shots for longer.

"It pained me to see him leave. At least he would have stayed until the end of the season," he regretted. 

Onyango in the meantime revealed that he is one week away from resuming training. He suffered a back injury during their barren draw with Wazito last month at the Thika Stadium.