Former Kenyan international Willis Ochieng’ has been drafted into Gor Mahia’s technical bench as the new goalkeepers’ trainer.
He takes over from outspoken Mathews “Ottamax” Owino, whose stay at K’Ogalo became untenable after he fell out with Head Coach Jose Marcelo Ferreira last year.
Ottamax’s frosty relationship with “Ze Maria” erupted in the heat of a difficult 2016 season, when he openly questioned the Brazilian’s technical awareness, in a Facebook rant, which generated a lot of buzz.
He, however, was forced to swallow his words and apologise before he could be readmitted back into the fold, but his days at the senior side were numbered.
He alongside physical trainer Tom Ogweno, who was also axed for alleged sabotage and insubordination, have nonetheless been handed soft landings with Gor Mahia’s junior outfit.
Willis was previously with Kericho based Zoo FC in the same position.
During his heydays, his checkered career dogged by allegations of match fixing, took him to South Africa, where he turned out for Free States Stars, Finland (FK Marienhamn), Sweden (Skelleftea FF) and Tanzania (Simba SC).
Locally he played for Mumias Sugar FC. It was while at FK Marienhamn in 2010 when he was accused by the National Bureau of Investigation – Finland of pocketing Euros 50,000 to throw away two matches.
His last national duty was a 1-0 loss to Mozambique in a World Cup qualifier in 2010.
The ghosts of the past caught up with him last year when he landed a national team appointment with the junior Harambee Stars, a decision which was hastily reversed amidst protests from fans.
