Salim: Gatusso exit bad for Kenyan soccer

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Former Sofapaka coach Salim Ali was taken aback by dropped Sofapaka midfielder Collins Gatusso Okoth’s decision to quit football and in his reaction said the former Kenyan international’s move is a big negative to the country’s football.

Tough season

The midfielder has had a tumultuous season, quitting Gor Mahia after a difficult first leg and dropped at the 2009 league champions after just three months at the team and he decided to quit football altogether.

Salim, under whose reign Gatusso signed for Sofapaka, said it was sad for the player to be dropped at this time of the season and with his decision to walk away, Kenyan football will be the biggest loser.

Unbelievable

-This is unbelievable; the decision is too drastic because despite everything I still believe Gatusso is one of the rare talents in this country, it hurts to see him walk off just that way but I think it was because of the frustration after being dropped.

-It is particularly sad that he had to be dropped at this point in the season, the biggest loser is not the player but the country – there is something special you get when Gatusso plays even if you are his opponent. That will be greatly missed.

-I will take time to speak with him, Salim told futaa.com.

Salim Ali was also Collins’ coach at the national team during his time as Zedekiah Otieno’s assistant.