Football
Exclusive: Chris Ochieng Itching to Fill Huge Gap Left by Omala at Gor Mahia
Gor Mahia’s Chris Ochieng is determined to fill the void left by Benson Omala, aiming for the Golden Boot and a Harambee Stars call-up in the 2024-2025 season.
Image Credits: Pulse Sports Kenya
There is no doubt that Benson Omala left a massive gap at Gor Mahia following his controversial transfer to Lebanese side Al Safa Sporting.
Gor Mahia had reaped the best returns on the investment they made in Omala in the previous two Kenyan Premier League seasons as the forward netted a total of 45 goals in the competition.
He narrowly missed the 'Golden Boot' in the 2022-2023 season by the barest of margins as his 26-goal tally fell short of that of Elvis Rupia by a single strike.
He, however, consoled himself with the individual award in the past campaign where he kissed the back of the net 19 times.
As expected, Gor Mahia made inroads in the player transfer market in a bid to plug in the gap left by Omala with Congolese Gedeon Bendeka being plucked from Rwandese side Etincelles FC.
Bendeka was largely expected to justify his acquisition by walking into the starting team and banging goals for fun in the various off-season activities Gor were involved in but that was not the case.
Instead, Chris Ochieng, a forward who had played second fiddle to Omala last season seized the opportunity and appears to be coach Leonardo Neiva's preferred attacker in the new season.
I am equal to the task
Signed last year to offer support and competition, Ochieng wasn't in the equation when talks on who is lethal enough to succeed Omala were being discussed in football circles.
However, the burly striker has demonstrated that he is good enough to pick from where Omala left, if the starts made in the CAF Champions League against South Sudan's El Merreikh Bentiu and Al Ahly of Egypt are anything to go by.
Ochieng says he is raring to go and prove that coach Neiva is justified to entrust him as the club's main man heading to the start of league assignments.
I understand the responsibility which lies ahead of me. Omala did a great job in the last three seasons and that is just what is expected of me. I am equal to the task and ready to score goals for this great club.
Chris Ochieng
Ochieng not under pressure to fill Omala's shoes
For a striker who is yet to hit double digits in a single season since breaking into the top tier, the task of replacing a player who has consistently delivered for the biggest club can be overwhelming.
However, Ochieng, says he is not under pressure at all as he is prepared to be in the best version of himself throughout the season which Gor will be seeking for a third consecutive title and their 22nd since inception.
The former Bandari man acknowledges that the comparisons between him and Omala and the criticism he will face will go a long way in keeping him on toes.
"I am not under pressure at all. Of course, I know there will be criticism, and my performances will always be under scrutiny, but I am ready for all these," said the 30-year-old.
Regarding the pressure he will face from the rest of the strikers, who are also salivating on the gap left by Omala, Ochieng says he is raring to confront the competition head-on.
The competition for playing time will seal all the loopholes for slumping into a comfort zone. It will benefit the team and will shape me into a better player.
Chris Ochieng
Ochieng eyeing Golden Boot and Harambee Stars call up
Just like Omala, Ochieng harbours sky-high hopes of laying hands on the 'Golden Boot' in the 2024-2025 season.
Ochieng faces a significant test in his chase for the boot as he already trails Kariobangi Sharks forward Ally Salum by three goals.
He however believes that he will catch up when Gor starts the title defence against the 2008 league winners Mathare United this weekend.
"I want to clinch the top scorer's award. I am sure I will make it if I play regularly. If other strikers have made it, I am also capable of," he expressed his confidence.
Besides the boot, the former Bidco United goal poacher hopes to earn his maiden Harambee Stars call up and debut in the season.
"It will be a dream come true if considered for national team duties," he said.
Hopes for professional football
Despite age not being on his side, Ochieng hasn't given up on his dream to play football at the professional level.
He avers that a good season at Gor will easily open bigger opportunities which he dreamt of when he first joined the Kenyan top tier in 2017.
"Every player wants to play football at the professional level, and I am no different. The good thing is I play a very marketable position, and a good season will easily take me to the next level," he added.
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