Gor, Rodriguez set to clash over contract termination

By Omondi Onyatta

Gor Mahia striker Giovanni Rodriguez’s agent Bernard Odongo has lambasted Coach Zdravko Logarusic of going against the agreement signed between the player and the club. This criticism comes in the wake of the striker’s axing by Logarusic from the squad yesterday.

Odongo rubbished claims that Rodriguez is homesick and has personal issues that are affecting his on-field performances. “There are no personal problems. I know so because am always with him,” Odongo said.

The agent further claimed that Rodriguez, who was the club’s marquee signing this season, had a two-year contract with the side. “He has a two-year contract with the club, which Gor has to honor,” he stated.

From day one, things were never going to be easy for the 25-year old striker who came under criticism from the Croatian tactician due to his lack of fitness.

However, Odongo said that Rodriguez’s fitness was never an issue since he had asked for time to regain his fitness. “Logarusic is being unprofessional since he had agreed to give our player three months to regain his fitness. He has not even watched him in action to give a conclusive judgment,” he charged.

The latest turn of events is set to cast a dark shadow over K’Ogalo’s activities in the transfer market. Apart from Rodriguez, the club has signed David Otieno (Western Stima), Abbey Kurunkummi (Muhoroni Youth), Israel Emuge (URA), Mungai Kiongera (KCB), Innocent Mutiso (Mathare United) and Zachary Onyango (Coffee Board of Ethiopia). Logarusic has so far expressed his satisfaction with these new players.

First published in January 2013.