There is no doubt that Benson Omalla left a massive gap at Gor Mahia following his controversial transfer to Lebanese side Al Safa Sporting.Gor had reaped the best returns on the investment they made in Omalla in the previous two FKF Premier League seasons, as the forward netted a total of 45 goals in the league, leading them to back to back-to-back titlesHe 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.##NAJAVA_MECA_8370993##As expected, K’Ogallo made inroads in the player transfer market in a bid to plug in the gap left by Omalla, with Congolese Gedeon Bendeka being plucked from Rwandan side Etincelles.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 was involved in, but that was not the case.Instead, Chris Ochieng, a forward who had played second fiddle to Omalla last season, seized the opportunity and appears to be coach Leonardo Neiva’s preferred attacker in the new season.Signed last year to offer support and competition, Ochieng was not in the equation when talks on who is lethal enough to succeed Omalla were being discussed in football circles.Goli lake Chris Ochieng Katika dakika za Lala Salama kuwapa Gor Mahia Ushindi#FKFPremierLeaguepic.twitter.com/0GqgSgXyiv— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) January 13, 2024 However, the burly striker has demonstrated that he is good enough to pick from where Omalla 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 in entrusting him as the club’s main man ahead of the start of league assignments.“I understand the responsibility that lies ahead of me. Omalla 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,” Ochieng offered.Is Metto seeking a third term at Sports Kenya?For a striker who has 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 the best version of himself throughout the season. Gor will be seeking a third consecutive title and their 22nd since inception.The former Bandari man acknowledges that the comparisons between him and Omalla and the criticism he will face will go a long way in keeping him on his 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,” the 30-year-old told Sportsboom.com.Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat criticises CAF’s decision to include host countries in CHAN qualifiersRegarding the pressure he will face from the rest of the strikers, who are also salivating on the gap left by Omalla, 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.”Just like Omalla, Ochieng harbors 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 four goals.”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 it,” he expressed his confidence##NAJAVA_MECA_8378334##
