Gor Mahia Faces Defensive and Midfield Challenges Ahead of Bidco United Clash
Gor Mahia’s head coach, Johnathan McKinstry, is confronted with the absence of key players as they prepare to take on Bidco United, currently sixth in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL), this Saturday.
The team will have to make do without defender Emery Bayisenge and midfielder Ernest Wendo for the upcoming fixture. Bayisenge, the Rwandan central defender, sustained an injury early in Gor Mahia’s last weekend match against Tusker FC, leading to his substitution by Joshua Onyango. Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Wendo is sidelined due to illness.
Providing an update on the injury status of his squad, Coach McKinstry revealed that Bayisenge’s calf strain would likely keep him out for a week or two, with the possibility of missing a couple of games due to the tight schedule.
“Emery had to go off in the first half last week, so he won’t be involved this weekend; it is a calf strain where we do not expect him to be out for too long,” McKinstry stated.
He also discussed how the team is being cautious with Wendo to prevent the flu from spreading to his teammates. McKinstry anticipates Wendo’s return for the Wednesday clash against Shabana.
“Ernest Wendo is suffering from a little bit of flu at the moment, so it is not too bad, but we decided to keep him out of training yesterday [Wednesday] until today because we do not want any other players coming down ill,” the coach explained. “Whether or not he is available for this weekend, I am not sure, but definitely by Wednesday against Shabana, he should be ready.”
In the absence of Bayisenge, Joshua Onyango is likely to partner with Kennedy Onyango in central defense. McKinstry expressed less concern over Wendo’s absence, as Kevin Juma has been his preferred choice in central midfield.
McKinstry also provided updates on other players, stating that goalkeeper Gad Mathews is nearing contention after recovering from an injury. However, Ugandan Patrick Kaddu is still two weeks away from returning.
Gor Mahia remains the only team unbeaten this season and can maintain pressure on table leaders Posta Rangers with a victory against Bidco United. Currently, K’Ogalo sits in second place on the table with 15 points, just one point behind Posta.
