Gor Mahia goalkeeper Caleb Otieno was happy with his performance after coming on in the 35th minute of the Mashemeji derby following a red card on first-choice goalkeeper Kevin Omondi after a tackle on AFC Leopards striker Victor Omune, which was judged to be a denial of goal-scoring opportunity. With the other senior goalkeeper, Gad Mathews, not in the matchday squad, Coach Jonathan McKinstry called on understudy goalkeeper Caleb Otieno for duty and he made an impressive performance.”I am so satisfied with my performance and that of the team. It was my first derby appearance, which came with a lot of pressure, especially after the red card but as a player, you have to know how to handle the pressure.” He told Mozzart Sport. The 21-year-old goalkeeper had a good command of his penalty area and excellent communication with his backline, which ensured that they kept a clean sheet despite playing most of the game with fewer players. Gor Mahia coach’s scent of title stronger after Mashemeji Derby triumphHe looked calm between the posts, and his ability to pick aerial balls with ease when AFC Leopards sort for direct plays was perhaps his major strength but he says he was always prepared for such a time. “I am always prepared because as a second goalkeeper, anything can happen and you will be called upon. After the red card, I knew this was my chance and I had to grab it.”One of his saves came at a cost, though, after he collided with captain Geoffrey “Simiti” Ochieng as he stretched to make a save from a ball that was floated to AFC Leopards striker Arthur Gitego and despite Ochieng finishing the game, he left the stadium in an ambulance after the match for specialised treatment. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8045860##As a youth team graduate, it gives him even more pleasure. “It’s not been easy but I’m happy with how it’s folding. I had to be patient and humble in the team, working extra hard and keeping high levels of discipline.” AFC Leopards coach defends goalkeeper Levis Opiyo after Mashemeji derby gaffeIn his post-match interview, Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry was full of praise for the understudy goalkeeper, who was making his first appearance of the season and believes he’s up to the task of competing in the upcoming games. Budding Gor custodian indebted to Jerim Onyango for his rise”We were always confident in his capabilities, as he’s been impressive in training. He is good with aerial balls, as well as a good shot stopper. He now has a chance to impress more when Kevin Omondi will be serving his red card.” Caleb is ready to step up and give his contribution as Gor Mahia looks to defend their title.
