Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Martins Neiva has explained that star midfielder Austin Odhiambo was previously absent from the team due to a ‘personal issue’. The former AFC Leopards midfielder has however since returned to training and was included in the squad that is set to face South Sudanese side Al-Merreikh Bentiu in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round clash. On the return of Austin, Neiva said that he was “happy, satisfied, and pleased” to see him back following a “personal issue” and called upon new signings Chris Pius Akena and Gedeon Bendeka to work collectively in filling the departing Benson Omala’s boots.”It’s football, we should be ready for any circumstances, Omala left and we wish him all the best in his career. We should put focus on the players we have here like Bandeka (Gedeon) and Chris (Akena).Austin stayed like a week (out), but he got a personal issue and I’m very pleased and happy that he is back and to stay with us,” said Neiva.The Brazilian tactician also noted that his team is “ready” for this weekend’s CAF Champions League clash against Al-Merreikh, but also acknowledged that there is “still a lot of work to do” for the squad in as far as operating in the manner he wishes.K’Ogalo, following their domestic league triumph last season, will mark a return to the continental stage on Sunday afternoon in Juba, hoping that they can get a valuable result that will place them in the driving seat ahead of their second-leg tie on Sunday 25 August in Nairobi.Gad Mathews, Rooney Onyango omitted as Gor Mahia announce CAF Champions League travelling squadSpeaking of the team’s preparation, which has seen them win two pre-season games against Tanzanian side Fountain Gate FC this month, Neiva said: “It was amazing. We got a chance to play away from home and kept our unit together. That worked for us in creating harmony both inside and outside the camp, and also helped us gain our tactical understanding, which is progressing slowly but surely.”Asked about his approach for the Al-Merreikh game, he added: “It is a tough game, but am only thinking of a win, which will put us in a great position ahead of the second leg.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8269442##“I wanted to work on the tactical issue: development and improvement, and there is still a lot of work to do. It takes time.”Though his words echoed what he had said after K’Ogalo’s winless stretch at the CECAFA Kagame Cup, midfielder Alpha Onyango said “We have improved over the last couple of matches in terms of tactics” and hoped to “avoid defeat” over the weekend.Alpha Onyango on the Team Preparation ahead of CAF Champions League match against El Merreikh Bentiu 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/OVo06Eswjj— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) August 14, 2024 Gor Mahia CEO offers opinion on Benson Omala’s move to Lebanon
