Gor Mahia captain Jerim Onyango vows to fight for starting role

Feb 15, 2013 10:21:00 AM

The veteran goalkeeper fell down the pecking order following poor performances last season allowing Tanzanian custodian Ivan Mapunda to take over

Gor Mahia captain Jerim Onyango says he has put behind him the disappointment of his mistakes that cost the club the title last season.

Onyango gifted Thika United their opening goal on the last day of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) as the match ended 1-1 and denied Gor Mahia a chance to be crowned the 2012 champions.

The veteran goalkeeper fell down the club’s pecking order after that mistake allowing Tanzanian Ivan Mapunda to take over the goalkeeping role.

However, he insists this is now behind him and he is ready to get back his starting position.

“I don’t think I should be blamed squarely for our failure last season. It was a collective responsibility. However, this is all behind us now and we are looking forward to a great year."

“We have learnt a lot from what happened last year and we are more mature and experienced,” Onyango told Goal.com.

He added: "The goalkeeping position has just become more competitive because we have the best goalkeepers in the country. It means all of us have to work hard to be assured of a starting position and this is what I intend to do. I did not lose my position to Mapunda and at any point whoever is the best will always start.”

Gor play Anse Re Union of Seychelle’s in the ’s preliminary match of the Confederations Cup at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.