Gor Mahia Coach Martins Neiva tight-lipped on Rooney Onyango’s omission amid ongoing debate
Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Martins Neiva has chosen to remain silent on the controversy surrounding the exclusion of winger Rooney Onyango from recent crucial matches. The 24-year-old, who is also capable of playing as a defender, was conspicuously left out of K’Ogalo’s squad for their CAF Champions League clash against reigning African champions, Al Ahly. The omission has sparked debate among the club’s supporters, particularly given Onyango’s previous form.
Onyango’s absence was most notable during Gor Mahia’s second preliminary round encounter in Cairo on September 21, where the Kenyan side suffered a 3-0 defeat, resulting in a 6-0 aggregate loss and their subsequent exit from the competition.
Despite travelling with the squad to Egypt, Onyango did not feature in the starting line-up or on the bench.
His exclusion follows Gor Mahia’s initial 3-0 loss at home in Nairobi, a result that virtually sealed their Champions League fate.
The decision to omit the player has left sections of the fanbase questioning Neiva’s tactical choices.
In the face of mounting speculation, Neiva has remained firm in his stance.
When approached by SportsBoom.com for comment, the Brazilian tactician refused to delve into details.
No comment please, it is an internal issue,” was all Neiva offered, leaving the situation shrouded in mystery.
Following their Champions League exit, Gor Mahia quickly turned their attention to defending their Football Kenya Federation Premier League title, beginning their 2024/25 domestic campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over newly promoted Mathare United on September 28.
Goals from Austin Odhiambo, Shariff Musa, Geofrey Ochieng, and new signing Gedeon Bendeka highlighted K’Ogalo’s intent to claim a third consecutive league title.
However, once again, Onyango was notably absent from the squad.
Despite his recent omissions, Onyango remains a key figure in Kenyan football.
His contributions were instrumental in Gor Mahia’s dramatic 5-1 comeback victory against El Merreikh in the first round of their Champions League campaign.
In that match, played at Nyayo Stadium on August 25, Onyango delivered a standout performance, scoring twice in the 80th and 92nd minutes to help Gor Mahia overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, ensuring a 5-2 aggregate win that set up the ill-fated clash with Al Ahly.
Onyango’s absence from Gor Mahia’s recent line-ups contrasts sharply with the praise he received following that victory, where Neiva lauded his versatility and quality.
Rooney really played well. He is a very gifted, quality player who can play in many positions,” the coach had said after the match.
While speculation continues to surround his current status at Gor Mahia, Onyango’s talents have not gone unnoticed on the international stage.
He has been called up by Kenya national team coach Engin Firat as part of the 26-man squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cameroon.
Kenya will first face the Indomitable Lions in Douala on October 11 before meeting again in Uganda on October 14, in a pivotal Group J double-header.
With no official explanation from the club regarding Onyango’s omission, fans and pundits alike will be closely watching the player’s involvement in the national team, and whether he will regain his place in Gor Mahia’s line-up as the domestic season progresses.
