Armenian club FC West Armenia has invited Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno for trials which will be held at their homeground later this week.
The trial is scheduled to take place from Saturday, 16th December and will take place over a two week period, with the club’s management set to cater for his accommodation, food as well as traveling tickets both to and from Armenia.
The club has requested for the Armenian government to aid the Kenyan international with all necessary documents in order to help him participate in the tournament.
Philemon Otieno, who took the captain’s armband in February 2022 following Kenneth Muguna’s departure, successfully led the team to clinch the FKPL title last season.
He also served as an assistant to the towering centre back Harun Shakava, who left the club the previous year to join the law enforcement side, Kenya Police FC.
Otieno has found gametime spare this season since the arrival of fast-rising Harambee Stars wing back Rooney Onyango.
The utility player joined Gor Mahia from NSL side Ushuru in 2016 on a three-year deal but has since spent over seven years at the club.
Head coach Johnathan McKinstry described Otieno as “an ultimate professional” following their win over AFC Leopards back in October.
“Philemon is the ultimate professional. We spoke to him earlier during pre-season, and he was aware that we were signing Rooney Onyango. He also knew that we have Paul Ochuoga, who started more games last season as a right back,” the coach explained.
“We informed him that he has a year left on his contract and asked, ‘What do you want to do?’ He expressed his desire to stay and fight for his place. Here we have another player we need to play tomorrow, and Philemon is fit and ready to step in,”