Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva has made a bold decision ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League second preliminary round return leg against Al Ahly on Saturday evening. Neiva has opted to bench right-back Rooney Onyango, a player who has been pivotal for the club over the past year.Onyango, widely regarded as one of the best players in the league, has been a standout performer for Gor Mahia. His exceptional displays earned him a nomination for the FKF Premier League 2023-24 season MVP award, though his teammate Austin Odhiambo ultimately won the accolade.##NAJAVA_MECA_8354899##Onyango’s importance extends beyond club level, as he has become a regular starter for the national team, Harambee Stars, under coach Engin Firat.Despite his importance, Onyango will not be in the starting lineup when Gor Mahia faces the record African champions in Cairo. After a 3-0 loss in the first leg, Gor Mahia needs to score four unanswered goals to advance to the group stage—an extremely challenging task against Al Ahly on their home turf.Neiva explained his decision to bench Onyango, citing concerns over the player’s readiness for the game.Reality or ‘remontada’: Gor Mahia face uphill task against Al Ahly in Cairo”Football is not just about technique. There are many factors, such as physical fitness, technical ability, tactical awareness, attitude, behavior, and mental strength,” Neiva stated.”Rooney is an amazing player, but he’s not at 100% right now. He’s at about 50/50, and it doesn’t make sense to field him in such a condition. We need players who are fully fit physically, mentally, tactically, and technically,” he added.In Onyango’s absence, youngster Paul Ochuoga could be called upon to fill the right-back position. This marks the second significant omission from the squad, with goalkeeper Kevin Otieno also ruled out due to injury.Young Caleb Omondi is expected to start in goal for the crucial tie.Erratic Kenya Police knocked out of CAF Confederation CupThe match is scheduled for 7 PM, and while the team would have preferred to play earlier in the day, Neiva believes they will adapt.”The players prefer to play in the afternoon, at 4 PM, but during the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Tanzania, we played several times under the lights and have trained under similar conditions here. So it’s okay,” he concluded.
