Gor Mahia captain Sylvester Owino has blamed inadequate pre-season preparations for the calf injury that will sideline him for the opening months of the 2026/27 season, describing the setback as a major personal disappointment just as he was preparing to lead the record league champions into a new campaign.The Harambee Stars defender sustained a sprain to his right calf, an injury expected to keep him sidelined for about two months.##NAJAVA_MECA_9875964##It is the second calf injury Owino has suffered this year, having sustained a similar problem in his left calf during Gor Mahia's FKF Premier League encounter against Ulinzi Stars at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in March.The latest setback means the experienced centre-back is set to miss Gor Mahia's opening FKF Premier League fixtures, with the new season scheduled to kick off on August 22, as well as the club's CAF Champions League preliminary round matches in September.Mombasa United turn to former Yanga SC head coach ahead of Premier League debutSpeaking to Mozzart Sport, Owino said the team's limited preparation time before returning to competitive action played a major role in his injury, arguing that the players had not built the physical condition required for high-intensity matches."I think it came up because of poor preparations. We did not have enough time to train well together and we were just getting started, then the tournament came up. It came from not having well-planned sessions as the body was not ready for competitive action. Hopefully it will be better in a month's time, and I can resume action," said Owino.The defender admitted the injury was particularly painful given the expectations he had set for himself after being entrusted with the captain's armband ahead of the new season.Gor Mahia Face Al Hilal in blockbuster Kagame Cup semi-final"I feel disappointed, and it's a major setback for me because I had really psyched myself up for the new season, the league and CAF matches. With the new responsibility as captain, suffering this setback is a blow, but thankfully it has happened before the season gets into full swing," he said.Owino's absence presents an early selection dilemma for head coach Charles Akonnor, who will have to reorganise his backline ahead of a demanding run of domestic and continental fixtures. Gor Mahia had already reinforced the department in anticipation of a congested 2026/27 season calendar.Beyond his defensive qualities, the 26-year-old has become one of Gor Mahia's most influential leaders, making his absence a significant setback as K'Ogalo begin their pursuit of league success and a strong return to the CAF Champions League.Gor Mahia forced to dip into transfer market after injury crisis