NAIROBI, Kenya, January 5 – Gor Mahia defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino has penned a two year deal with Zambian Premier League champions Zesco United after successfully undergoing medical on Monday.
The move which was confirmed by Zesco’s official website ends debate about the future of the Harambee Stars defender who had only six months remaining in his contract with the 14 time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions.
“Zesco United has officially signed a two year contract with Kenyan Defender, David Owino Odhiambo from Gor Mahia. We are glad to acquire his services,” the club’s official website announced.
Owino stated he is pleased to join the three time Zambian Super League champions and will serve the club diligently.
“I’m happy to join Zesco United, I know it’s a result oriented team, I’m from Gor that has the same stance and both teams are champions. I love to play for champions because I believe a team attains the status of champions because of hard work,” Owino who will don number 15 jersey declared.
The deal worth Sh3.17m (USD 35,000) will see Gor pocket Sh1.4m (USD16, 000) after agreeing to release Owino whose contract was ending in June.
“The club (Gor) does not have any problem because it’s officially done. They have paid Gor Sh1.4m (USD 16000) since he was still our player,” club CEO Lodvick Aduda told Capital Sport.
Owino a former Karuturi Sports stopper was already included in Zesco’s CAF Champions League squad, days after K’Ogalo had also drafted him in their 18-man provisional list for the continental assignment.
Gor will now be forced to make a replacement; with newly signed Liberian Dirkir Glay from Thika United likely to fill his void.
The two-time KPL defender of the year was on demand after declining to renew a longer deal with the club, leading Tanzanian titans Simba SC seek his services but talks collapsed after the Vodacom Premier League side said Owino was ‘too expensive’.
The robust defender exit K’Ogalo having helped them win two KPL title and domestic cups.
Owino’s first appearance will be in February when his new club takes on Swaziland’s Mbabane Swallows in the African Champions League first round.
