Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva has heaped praise on utility player Rooney Onyango after his brace helped the team to emerge 5-1 winners against South Sudanese side El Merreikh Bentiu.Rooney who played in three different positions in the tie netted K’Ogalo’s last two goals in the 80th and 92nd minute of the match played on Sunday 25 August at Nyayo National Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8290616##In his post-match press conference, the Brazilian coach was full of praise for the Harambee Stars defender cum winger.”Rooney really played well. He is a very gifted, quality player who can play in many positions,” he said.CAFCL: Gor Mahia sets date with Ahly after handing Merreikh football lessonsThe former Wazito FC defender started the game as a winger and bossed that flank switching positions with Paul Ochuoga who started at right back. Neiva discussed more of this tactical approach “Today in the first half, he started as a winger but could switch positions with Ochuoga depending on the moment##NAJAVA_MECA_8290631##In the last phase of the first half, they had a strong guy (Samuel Akinbinu) in the wing and so we asked Rooney to switch to right back as he is stronger physically than Ochuoga so he could handle the guy.”What came as a surprise though was when Rooney was asked to play as a striker after Chris Ochieng was withdrawn in the 83rd minute and made a mark.FKF issue statement on Gor Mahia’s Rooney Onyango passport saga”In the last part of the game, we asked him to play as a striker and he did well to score a goal,” he added.Neiva predicted bright years ahead for Rooney especially due to the fact that he can comfortably play well in different formations and positions.##NAJAVA_MECA_8290555##“Football is like that, one should always be able to switch positions to make them unpredictable.”Rooney was returning to the starting lineup after missing the first leg in Juba. Gor Mahia will now play defending champions Al Ahly, with a place in the group stage at stake.
