Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo says the club has acquired enough signatures this season, leaving the technical bench spoilt for choice.
Omollo was at pains to defend their decision to introduce "Golden Boot" contender Benson Omalla in the dying minutes of the second half during their barren draw against Kenya Police at Moi Stadium, Kasarani over the weekend.
The decision to leave the youngster in the dugout up to the dying minutes of the second half ruffled some feathers at the stands even as the team struggled to break through the watertight Kenya Police defence.
The technical bench eventually bulked under overwhelming pressure as the game wore on with a goal still not in sight — Jules Ulimwengu making way for Omalla.
Said Omollo: "Omalla had a starting role in all our first four matches of the season and we felt he needed some time to rest. It was meant to save him from a complete burnout because we need to have him in a vibrant form throughout the season."
"We have deliberately opted to rotate players to ensure they don't burn out to an extent they will find it difficult to compete effectively up to the end of the league. We also want to ensure the players have enough strength to produce favourable results in our next continental assignments," added Omollo.
Fielding new acquisition Dennis Ng'ang'a as a centre-back has also raised eyebrows, given the former Wazito man is a natural left-fullback. But Omollo says it's a tactical move.
"As you may have realised by now, we have adopted a new system of play where we build up from the back. This requires a set of players who are comfortable on the ball and can withstand one-on-one opposition without fumbling.
"Ng'ang'a is most definitely suited for that role. It wouldn't be prudent to field centre-backs who are both right-footed, so having Ng'ang'a as a centre-back serves to complement Shakava and frank Odhiambo who are both right-footed," said Omollo.
In the wake of the concerns, Omollo insists K'Ogalo are still the team to beat and denying them their 20th title this season will most definitely be an arduous task.
"It's encouraging to note that we have conceded only twice in all our five league encounters thus far. That alone testifies to the excellent form that our players currently enjoy. We have a good squad that can charge for the title. Our two draws against Ulinzi Stars and Kenya Police are sheer hard luck, which is quite normal in football," said Omollo.
The gaffer added that they would intensify training ahead of the third and final preliminary stage of the Caf Confederations Cup.
