Velona Ayuko
Nicholas Kipkirui has officially announced his departure from Gor Mahia of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.
Kipkirui, who joined the local heavyweights in 2018, has yet to announce his next move, but Goal understands he may have agreed on a deal to join Premier League side Ulinzi Stars.
“Goodbyes are never easy to say but the time has come for me to say it”, Kipkirui wrote on his Facebook page. “After a successful and bittersweet two-and-a-half-year journey, my time at Gor Mahia has come to an end.”
“It was not an easy decision to make but it has been necessitated wholly by the need to make ends meet and take care of my family. I wish to thank everyone who helped me in one way or another during my stay at the club.”
The Premier League New/Young Player of the Year in 2018 also chose individuals who assisted him at the Green Army.
“They include club chairman Ambrose Rachier who signed me from Zoo FC plus coaches Hassan Oktay, Steve Polack, and Vaz Pinto who have made me a better player”, he added.
“I also wish to appreciate my teammates who have supported and pushed me towards achieving my personal and team goals. And to the fans who supported me in very many ways, thank you very much and God bless you all.”
Kipkirui’s departure comes after Benson Omala agreed to join Swedish club FC Linkopings City on a season-long loan deal from Gor Mahia.
Omala and Kipkirui left at a time when Gor Mahia is having a difficult season, having lost six games in a row, including back-to-back defeats to KCB and Posta Rangers. Gor Mahia will now rely on Wilson Silva and Jules Ulimwengu as their main strikers.
“I leave this great club as a league champion, national team player and with experience of playing in continental matches. I will always be a K’Ogalo diehard and hope to come back one day to contribute to this great club in any capacity.” I wish the club all the best in its assignments.
Kipkirui leaves the Kenyan heavyweights after winning the league in 2018, 2018/2019, and 2020, as well as the KPL Super Cup. He joined the Green Army alongside Erick Castro and Erick Ogendo from Gor Mahia Youth, Erisa Sekisambu from Vipers SC, Geoffrey Ochieng from Western Stima, Shafik Batambuze from Singida United, Kenneth Muguna from FK Tirana, and Pascal Ogweno from Kariobangi Sharks.
Ochieng and Muguna are the remaining players who enjoy regular playing time with the club.
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