Where next for Nicholas Kipkirui?

It is now official that Nicholas Kipkirui has left defending champions Gor Mahia. This comes after the player penned an emotional farewell on his Facebook page to the 19-time league champions. Earlier reports stated that his departure was imminent after the player asked for a release letter but Kipkirui has now confirmed the exit.

“Goodbyes are never easy to say but the time has come for me to say it. After a successful and bitter-sweet two-and-a-half-year journey, my time at Gor Mahia has come to an end,” part of the statement read.

The striker, who was instrumental when Gor knocked out APR Rwanda in the preliminary stages of the CAF Champions League, shed some light as to what led to his exit from the club. In addition, he went on to express his gratitude to the entire unit that believed in him and gave him a chance to represent one of the most successful teams in the country.

“It was not an easy decision to make but it has been necessitated wholly by the need to make ends meet and to take care of my family. I wish to thank everyone who helped me in one way or another during my stay at the club. They include club Chairman Ambrose Rachier who signed me from Zoo Kericho plus coaches Hassan Oktay, Steve Polack and Vaz Pinto who have made me a better player. I also wish to appreciate my teammates who have supported and pushed me towards achieving my personal and team goals. And to the fans who supported me in very many ways, asante sana and God bless you all,” he remarked.

Kipkirui went on to state his undying support for Gor and that he would one day love to return to the club and help in any way he can whether as a player or maybe even in management.

“I leave this great club as a league champion, national team player and with an experience of playing in continental matches. I will always be a K'Ogalo diehard and hope to come back one day to contribute to this great club in any capacity. I wish the club all the best in its assignments. Kip,” he concluded.

Kipkirui recently terminated his contract with K'Ogalo and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has today given the player the go-ahead to join a new club outside the transfer window. Several clubs have been chasing his signature but Nairobi City Stars have emerged as the most likely destination for the striker.