When Gor Mahia signed Kevin Omondi from Sofapaka at the start of the season, it was clear he was brought in as a backup for goalkeeper Gad Mathews, who had secured the Golden Glove the previous season (2022/2023) with 17 clean sheets.Omondi was not a regular starter at Sofapaka, but he was determined to prove himself.Despite initial challenges, Omondi’s hard work paid off spectacularly. He has now emerged as the Golden Glove winner, boasting 19 clean sheets—six more than second-placed Patrick Matasi—with three games remaining in the season.”I am so happy and proud of myself for this achievement. I am also thankful to my teammates and the whole team; together, we made this possible. I am looking forward to adding some more clean sheets and seeing how far I can go because we still have a few games left,” Omondi remarked.Gor Mahia sign Sofapaka keeper amidst Gad Mathews departure talksOmondi’s journey to this milestone was far from easy. It was a path marked by perseverance, self-belief, and an unwavering resolve to succeed.Born 27 years ago in Nairobi’s Huruma Estate, Omondi honed his skills in the dusty fields of his neighborhood before seriously considering football as a career.As a young boy, Omondi was noticeable for his left-footed play, initially serving as a left back or left winger.His love for goalkeeping began at Salama Primary School in Huruma, where he surprised his peers by choosing to guard the net.”I loved the idea of being a goalkeeper. It’s a special position that takes responsibility for the team’s success, and this, to me, was the best position to become a significant member of any team,” he said.Omondi’s passion for goalkeeping grew stronger when he joined the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), where he admired Duncan Ochieng, a legendary goalkeeper who played for top Kenyan teams and the national team, the Harambee Stars.”Being a MYSA kid, I loved Duncan Ochieng. He was the best goalkeeper at the time, and many of us looked up to him.”Excelling both academically and athletically at Salama Primary, Omondi earned a spot at Kakamega High School, known for nurturing football talent.”Kakamega High had many top players, which motivated me to work hard. The school administration supported co-curricular activities, making it easier to juggle academics and football.”Five players who have overcome setbacks to hit top form again in FKF Premier LeagueAfter completing secondary education in 2013, Omondi joined the Nairobi City Stars before transferring to Sony Sugar, where he made a significant impact as a young goalkeeper.Financial difficulties at Sony Sugar prompted the rookie to move to Wazito FC, but his stint there was inconsistent, leading to his transfer to Sofapaka in August 2020.Gor, after winning the FKF PL 2022/2023 season, sought to strengthen their goalkeeping department. Omondi’s technical abilities and comfort with the ball made him an ideal candidate.”When I joined, I wasn’t sure I would be the first-choice goalkeeper, but from the moment I stepped onto the team, I focused on working hard and fighting for my place.”An injury to Mathews at the start of the season provided Omondi with his chance. He seized it, delivering impressive performances and maintaining his position even after Mathews’ return.His journey hit a setback during the Mashemeji derby when he received a red card, but third-choice goalkeeper Caleb Otieno stepped in and performed admirably in his absence.”There is competition at Gor Mahia, and Caleb is a good goalkeeper. I was sure he would help the team. I thrive in competition, so I was never worried about losing my place. I kept working hard in training and left the rest to the gaffer.”Red card incident! The moment Gor Mahia goalkeeper Kevin Omondi was sent out #MashemejiDerby #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/oQcDCoHd5e— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) April 21, 2024 The life of a goalkeeper comes with its challenges, including heavy criticism and immense pressure, especially at a club with high expectations like Gor.”We face criticism, which is challenging. Sometimes, a goalkeeper concedes an easy goal, and everyone is on your neck. At Gor, the pressure is even worse because we have many fans who want the team to win at all costs.”Omondi is now working hard to impress national team head coach Engin Firat and earn a call-up to the Harambee Stars.Gor Mahia’s Omondi eyes Harambee Stars call up after sealing 2023-2024 FKFPL Golden GloveHe has a message for young, aspiring goalkeepers: “If you decide to be a goalkeeper, do it with all your heart. Never give up. Work hard and keep the faith; it has never been an easy path. Be consistent, and it will make sense at the end of the journey.”According to Omondi, the qualities of a good goalkeeper include talent, bravery, game-reading, anticipation, and positioning.His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication, serving as an inspiration to any player aiming for the top.##NAJAVA_MECA_8123858##
