Polack bemoans Onyango's exit as Stars defender joins Simba
Kenyan international defender Joash Onyango (right) exchanges documents with Simba SC assistant coach Selemani Matola during his unveiling ceremony in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on August 14, 2020.
What you need to know:
- Polack said that Onyango's departure is a big loss to the club before admitting that it has been tough to convince players to stay because of the current financial situation at the club.
Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has bemoaned the loss of key players at the club with defender Joash Onyango the latest star to hit the exit door.
Polack said that Onyango's departure is a big loss to the club before admitting that it has been tough to convince players to stay because of the current financial situation at the club.
Gor have been struggling to stay afloat since gaming firm, SportPesa, terminated its contract with the club at the beginning of the season.
Kenyan international defender Joash Onyango (left) signs his contract with Simba SC as club assistant coach Selemani Matola looks on during his unveiling ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on August 14, 2020.
"I talked to him a few days ago and he had made up his mind to join Simba. He had asked the club to give him his release letter because he is owed by the club salary arrears. There is nothing I can do to prevent players who have offers from leaving because of our current financial situation," said Polack.
Onyango penned a two-year deal with Simba SC on Friday, with the Tanzanian giants announcing the deal on their social media platforms.
"We have a high target of making big strides in the Caf Champions League and the Tanzanian League. To achieve this, the club has to sign veteran defenders who have performed well in big matches. International defender Joash Onyango has signed for Wekundu wa Msimbazi," the club said.
Kenyan international defender Joash Onyango (left) poses for photos after signing his deal to join Tanzanian giants Simba SC during his unveiling ceremony in Dar es Salaam on August 14, 2020. Simba SC assistant coach Selemani Matola looks on.
Onyango was unveiled by the club's assistant coach Selemani Matola.
Onyango was the assistant captain at Gor and had formed a formidable partnership with Charles Momanyi at the heart of K'Ogalo's defence. He was also a regular starter in the national team under Sebastien Migne.
Titles won
At Simba, Onyango will battle for a starting berth with Ivorian Pascal Wawa, Erasto Nyoni, and Kennedy Juma. The list could be longer if the club opt to keep out of favour Yussuph Mlipili and Tairone Santos.
Onyango has won four Kenyan Premier League titles since joining the club from Western Stima in 2-17. He was also named the league's MVP in the 2018/19 season.
With only four months remaining on his current deal with Gor Mahia and a staggering five-month salary arrears, Onyango jumped ship to become the fourth Gor Mahia player to join the Tanzanian champions in the last five seasons.
Kenyan international defender Joash Onyango (left) poses for photos after signing his deal to join Tanzanian giants Simba SC during his unveiling ceremony in Dar es Salaam on August 14, 2020. Simba SC assistant coach Selemani Matola looks on.
Ugandan striker Danny Sserunkuma, Rwandan forward Meddie Kagere and Kenya's mercurial midfielder Francis kahata have all ditched K'Ogalo for Wekundu wa Msimbazi.
In this window alone, goalkeeper David Mapigano has joined Tanzanian moneybags Azam FC and winger Dickson Ambudo has signed for Dodoma FC from Gor. Diminutive forward Boniface Omondi and custodian Peter Odhiambo have also decamped to Wazito.
Club captain Kenneth Muguna and Ugandan striker Juma Balinya are also said to be in talks with Petro de Luanda of Angola and Azam SC respectively.
