Gor Mahia goalkeeper explains how he compares with Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas & Man City's Ederson

© Gor Mahia & Imago.

FOOTBALL Gor Mahia goalkeeper explains how he compares with Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas & Man City's Ederson

Joel Omotto 07:49 - 15.10.2023

The Gor Mahia custodian has revealed the similarities in his game with that of Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas and Manchester City’s Ederson.

Gor Mahia custodian Kevin Omondi has explained the similarities in his game with that of Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.

Omondi, who joined Gor Mahia from Sofapaka at the start of this season, is currently the preferred goalkeeper by head coach Johnathan McKinstry who has trusted him between the posts so far this campaign.

Even though he has kept just two clean sheets from six games, the goalkeeper has been lauded for his ball-playing skills, helping Gor play out from the back, while his distribution has also been impressive, an attribute the aforementioned goalkeepers have.

Omondi says those skillsets are what he feels makes him similar to Casillas and Ederson who are his idols.

“I used to watch Iker Cassilas, he was left-footed like me and used the right hand,” Omondi told Sports Eye.

“He would play just like me, I used to watch him a lot playing at Real Madrid, he started at a young age and he has been my role model.

“He has retired and now, the Man City goalkeeper Ederson, he is also left-footed. I am watching how he plays, (his) distribution, how he plays from the back.”

Omondi is currently enjoying time between the posts in a position that has stiff competition given he is among four goalkeepers at Gor Mahia.

Gad Mathews, last season’s Golden Glove winner, Dolf Junior Owino and Caleb Omondi are the other custodians at McKinstry’s disposal and the former Sofapaka man knows he will have to maintain impressive performances to hold onto his spot.

“As a player, you must work with the best to become the best and if you fear competition, you cannot be a good player,” he added.

“I saw Gad here, last season he won the title and had the most clean sheets so I knew coming to Gor, I was going to challenge one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Now I am here training with him and we must fight for our places.”

Omondi, however, still feels he needs to improve his concentration, positioning and communication during the match to become a complete goalkeeper.

“The more I communicate with my defence line, we avoid goals because my concentration levels increase,” said Omondi, who considers Laurence Juma and Caleb Omondi his best mates off and on the pitch respectively.