Mashemeji Derby: Gad Mathews speaks on time out, eyes strong comeback on Saturday

After missing the first five fixtures of the new FKF Premier League this season, Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews expects to be in contention to at least make the team sheet this weekend, as K’Ogalo readies up to take on old rivals AFC Leopards in Saturday’s Mashemeji Derby.

The former Kariobangi Sharks shot-stopper, shortly after leading his side to clinching their 20th league title last season, endured a pretty storied off-season, as he was severally linked to moves outside the club, all while nursing an injury that kept him off the limelight.

While speaking on a Kenyan football show -Tuchapiane Live - on Wednesday night, where he was flanked by AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo, Mathews dispelled any rumors that surrounded his exit from the defending champions saying that the idea never crossed his mind.

“All those rumors I was just reading them on social media wondering where that information came from,” he said. “Personally, I have a long history with Gor Mahia and much credit to them for having given me an opportunity to become who I am now. Unless a farewell message comes from me, treat the rest as false.”

TWIST: Gad Mathews to stay at Gor Mahia

On his progress, having missed all of Gor Mahia’s games this season - including the Charity Shield win against Kakamega Homeboyz to open up the season - Mathews opened up on having ‘overcome the hard part’ of his career, by recovering from a ‘critical surgery’ on his left chest.

“I was not available before because I had to recover from the surgery on my chest,” he said, motioning to his left side of the chest. “But that’s done with and I have been making steps. I have since returned to training with the team and should be ready to make heads roll.”

On missing the weekend fixture against KCB, where he was highly anticipated to be available, he added: “For any reason the technical bench thought of not starting me which is okay. You obviously can’t question their decision but I am working hard to make them make a hard decision this weekend.”

Asked on the progress of his goalkeeper after the team’s 1-1 draw last Sunday, Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry said: “Gad is back in training and has been doing some gym work since his surgery. We’ve been checking up on him everyday and there seems not to be any ill-effects of the injury. He feels strong and it's all about getting his match fitness back.

“I understand goalkeepers don’t run around like the rest of the outfield players do but they need that explosive recovery, making saves, and should be ready maybe after the international break to be close to making his return.”

Minimizing errors key for Gor Mahia ahead of Mahemeji Derby - McKinstry

Cues a hard decision for him and his technical bench, who have gone with the duo of Kevin Omondi and Caleb Otieno in goal this season.

The Mashemeji Derby takes place on Saturday 7 October at the Moi International Sports Stadium - Kasarani, in a match expected to be relayed live on new league broadcast partners - Azam TV.

The game kicks off at 1500 EAT.