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The Harambee Stars defender is reportedly ‘fed up’ with constant criticism from Wekundu wa Msimbazi supporters
Harambee Stars defender Joash Onyango has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
According to reports in Tanzania, the 30-year-old is fed up with the criticism labelled at him by fans and pundits, especially this season, when he has been the punching bag of some sort whenever Simba lose.
Onyango joined Simba from Gor Mahia in August 2020, initially on a two-year contract, and agreed fresh terms last June, extending his stay for another two years. However, he now appears to be ready to depart a year before his contract runs out due to frustrations.
‘Berlin Wall’ as he is popularly known, has been a mainstay in Simba’s defence, playing nearly every match alongside his centre-back partner Congolese Henoc Inonga Baka.
He has, however, had to endure constant criticism but coach Robertinho has kept faith with the defender and his loyalty has been rewarded with top performances from the former Gor man.
Simba fans have made a habit of blaming Onyango whenever their team lose and matters have escalated this campaign when he has been singled out especially in the CAF Champions League.
Fans turned on him last month when Wekundu wa Msimbazi were eliminated from the Champions League by holders Wydad Casablanca at the quarter-final stage.
The Tanzanian giants were beaten 5-3 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw on aggregate but unlike the norm when those who miss spot-kicks get the blame, Simba supporters singled out Onyango for criticism over what they claimed ‘poor defending.’
It was the second time in one month that he was coming under heavy criticism after they called for him to be dropped after the club lost 3-1 away to Raja Casablanca in the group stages of the competition on April 1.
Onyango has won three trophies with Simba; the league title and FAT Cup in 2020-21 as well as the Mapinduzi Cup last season.
It remains to be seen whether the reports are true since his departure would lead to a bidding war among teams on the continent given Simba’s performance in the Champions League has put him on the map. A return back home to the Football Kenyan Federation Premier League could also be an option.
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