Gor Mahia will be forced to do without the services of Rooney Onyango in the first leg of the Mashemeji Derby, as the right-back is set to return to Norway following the conclusion of the March FIFA International break.There were hopes of Onyango being available for selection and featuring against AFC Leopards on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium, starting at 3 pm. However, Gor Mahia have confirmed that the defender will return to Norway, in the course of the week, to finalize his trials program with second-tier club Sogndal Football.##NAJAVA_MECA_8796743##The versatile player quietly travelled to Norway late last month but returned home recently following his inclusion to the Harambee Stars squad for the back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon.He clocked full minutes, in both matches, where Kenya drew 3-3 against The Gambia on Thursday last week, before losing 2-1 to Gabon last Sunday at Nyayo. Gor Mahia Vice Chairman Francis Wasuna revealed that the club had permitted Onyango to audition in Norway for an entire uninterrupted month upon which he would return should he fail to secure a permanent deal. Gor Mahia hits back at Benni McCarthy’s player release claims”Onyango will fly back to Norway to finalize his trials. We had agreed that he would try his luck with the interested clubs for a period of time of one month only. This means, he will not be available for the Mashemeji Derby,” revealed Wasuna. In the absence of Onyango, Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic will have to deploy Paul Ochuoga at right back, with club captain Philemon Otieno offering an option. Gor nearly lost the 23-year-old to Tanzanian Premier League side Singida Black Stars in January, but the deal hit a snag despite both clubs, allegedly, reaching an agreement. Gor Mahia defender in Norway for trialsIt was widely reported that both teams agreed on the transfer, with Gor pocketing a lion’s share of the fees, but the player declined to cross the border as he anticipated for greener pastures elsewhere. The failed transfer was not short of controversy, as Singida alleged that Gor had failed to refund the five million shillings received after reaching an agreement.
