Two of Gor Mahia FC’s long serving players are set to leave the club after years of dedication and successful reigns.
Experienced duo of Philemon Otieno and Earnest Wendo are set to depart the club after a combined 18 years in the most successful club in the country. The duo, who has in recent times found it hard to get enough playing time due to increased competition for places in the squad, will soon see off what is left of their contracts in the coming weeks.
Otieno, a versatile player who joined from now defunct Ushuru FC in 2017, is the Current Team captain and has been with the 21times FKF-Kenya Premier League champions for a total eight years. The 32-year old defensive midfielder turned full-back has enjoyed huge success with K’Ogalo winning amongst others four league titles and one FKF Cup title.
He took over the armband from Kenneth Muguna three years ago (2022/23 season) and has led the team to success under the leadership of Northern Irishman Jonathan McKinstry collecting three cups, including the 2023 Mashujaa Cup.
Nicknamed Mbish, Otieno has also featured for the Harambee Stars 11 times and his most famous stint was in the last Africa Cup edition show in Egypt in 2019 under French Coach Sebastian Migne. His debut for the national team was in 2018 in a Qualifier against Eswatini.
Meanwhile, the revered Wendo, who is currently the longest serving player for Gor Mahia, has been loyal to the Green Army for a decade after arriving from Bidco. The 34-year old hard tackling defensive midfielder has won a record nine domestic titles with Gor Mahia; joining an elite list of few players who have achieved major success under one banner.
He has five league titles, one shield cup in 2021 and three super cups as well in what has been a stellar career which also included 23 appearances in CAF appearances for K’Ogalo. He has previously also had a stint at former league champions Mathare United as well.
