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Gor Mahia coach Leonardo Neiva reveals Rooney Onyango was dropped against Al Ahly due to disciplinary and commitment issues.
Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Martins Neiva has clarified the reasons behind his decision to exclude midfielder Rooney Onyango from the starting lineup in their crucial second-leg clash against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League.
Onyango's absence raised eyebrows among fans given his stellar form in recent matches.
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However, Neiva has now addressed the issue, citing disciplinary concerns as the primary reason.
“Rooney (Onyango) missed the game because of lack of commitment, behavior, and discipline. We are a team and we need to work together for teamwork,” Neiva explained in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com.
Onyango, a pivotal player in K’Ogalo's squad, had been expected to feature in the high-stakes encounter but was dropped following an internal team matter.
Gor Mahia traveled to Egypt aiming to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg at Nyayo Stadium, but Onyango’s omission from the lineup sparked debate among fans.
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Many questioned why a player who had been instrumental in their previous victories was left out.
In response, Neiva confirmed that his decision was based on Onyango's behavior in the lead-up to the match.
Onyango’s impact and the coach’s decision
Rooney Onyango had been a standout performer in the earlier stages of the tournament, notably leading Gor Mahia’s remarkable comeback against South Sudan’s El Merreikh in the first preliminary round.
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The midfielder was instrumental in the 5-1 victory, scoring twice in the final minutes to ensure Gor Mahia advanced with a 5-2 aggregate score.
His contribution earned him widespread praise, including from Neiva, who hailed him as "a very gifted, quality player."
Despite his impressive performances, Neiva’s decision to drop Onyango for the Al Ahly match stemmed from a training ground incident.
Reports indicate that the midfielder had stormed out of a session the day before the match, refusing to comply with the coach’s instructions after being asked to play in an attacking role.
“This is an internal issue that we are going to solve,” Neiva added, implying that the situation was still being addressed within the team.
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The coach's stance on discipline appears firm, emphasizing that no individual is bigger than the team, regardless of their on-field contributions.
Comparisons to other players
Former Gor Mahia official Ronald Ngala weighed in on the controversy, urging Onyango to trust the coach’s judgment and embrace the opportunity to develop his versatility.
Ngala compared Onyango’s situation to that of Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal star who transitioned from playing as a left wing-back to becoming a key attacking midfielder under his coach’s guidance.
“Players should allow the coach to mold them. Bukayo (Saka) was a left wing-back at Arsenal before becoming a lethal attacking midfielder,” Ngala remarked. He further referenced another Gor Mahia legend, Tillien Oguta, who also shifted positions under the direction of his coach.
Onyango’s future in question
The absence of Onyango in such a critical match has raised questions about his future role within the team.
Though the young star has been a key figure for both Gor Mahia and the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, his recent disciplinary issues may force him to reassess his approach.
Kenyan national team coach Engin Firat had previously praised Onyango for his work ethic and potential, noting that he had a bright future ahead of him.
“He worked well and if somebody is working well, they deserve to play. Rooney is not someone who is pushed by the media; he focuses on football and has a lot of potential,” Firat commented after Onyango’s impressive senior debut for Harambee Stars in a friendly against Russia.
It remains to be seen how Neiva will handle the situation as Gor Mahia gear up for the FKF PL matchesand whether Onyango will regain his place in the squad.
For now the focus is on resolving the internal matters that led to his omission and ensuring that the team remains united in their quest for continental success.
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