Goal.com

Croatian tactician Logarusic reveals to Goal.com that they have no space for the striker in the current Gor set-up and have now released him to return home

EXCLUSIVE
Otieno Otieno

The Brazilian connection between Gor Mahia and striker Giovanni Rodriguez has come to an abrupt end after the club's technical bench informed the technical committee that they have no room for the player.

Gor Mahia coach Zradvko Logarusic confirmed exclusively to Goal.com on Wednesday that they have no space for the Brazilian in the current Gor Mahia set-up and pointed out that the player has also some personal issues he wants sorted out back home ‘something that does not give him (Rodriguez) the peace of mind to focus on the task ahead.’

“After watching the player in the last one week, it is our opinion as the technical bench that he will not fit in our system. He needs time to work on his fitness and perhaps we can consider him when the new transfer window opens.”

“Moreover, we have also discovered after interacting with him that he has some personal problems he needs to work on and this means he has to go back home and fix those issues before he can have the necessary focus to play football. He is also home-sick,” added Logarusic.

It had been rumored that Gor Mahia had handed the Brazilian a two-year contract and even went ahead to include his name in the final list for the Confederation Cup competition.

Gor Mahia vice-chairman David Kilo confirmed they have received a report from the technical bench and have no objection on their assessment of the Brazilian. He said the matter will be tabled before the club's executive committee before a decision is made to send back the Brazilian.

“We had a lengthy meeting with the technical bench on Tuesday and with barely one week before the transfer window conclude, we wanted to hear their opinion about the signings we have had so far in the team.”

“This was to help the technical committee have a clear idea on where we are and if we are able to meet our objectives. They informed us that they had space for the Brazilian but feels he does not have the required fitness to play for Gor at this time.”

“The coaches also feel that it is not wise to keep him for six months as he works on his fitness level. We would rather sign a younger player and so he has to go back home.”

Kilo further said that the club will not stand in the way of suggestions made by the technical bench since they have a free hand to run the club in a manner they deem fit.

“We have told the players’ handlers about the turn of events. What remains is for the entire executive to make a collective decision. The Brazilian striker arrived in Nairobi last week under a lot of fan fare but was quickly dismissed after one training session for his lack of fitness.