Financial woes wont derail Gors title quest- Racheir

Financial woes wont derail Gors title quest- Racheir

Gor Mahia president Ambrose Dickson Rachier has committed himself to ensure the 18-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions w survives the financial turbulence rocking the topflight, to defend their title.

Gor were extremely hit by the exit of betting firm SportPesa, who were their main sponsors after failing to comply with ‘unbearable’ taxation policy by the national government.

Rachier concedes it will not be easy but drawing from past experiences, he’s optimistic somehow his club will withstand the storm.

“I’m very happy that we are still unbeaten with all the challenges. I have not paid my players for two months now. It is difficult but I remember in the 2015 season we had no sponsor but we still survived. Our demands are big but I’m hopeful we will make it,” a chuffed Rachier said after watching Gor edge a determined Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 at the Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Sunday.

The long serving Gor Chairman was happy that despite the absence of captain Kenneth Muguna and his assistant Joash Onyango, they still kept their unbeaten record.

“I have received information Muguna has family issues but  Onyango has not explained his absence in camp. We will investigate and deal with the matter accordingly. I however know the salaries issue could  be playing apart.

“We want to tell the players to be patient as we do our best to cater at least for their basics like house rents. This is a situation facing all clubs and the best option is to play on as we continue talking to potential sponsors,” he added.

The two, both Harambee Stars squad members, have been missing from Gor’s camp since representing the national team in the international friendly against Mozambique over a week ago.

Head coach Steve Pollack has meanwhile avoided the debate about Muguna and Onyango’s conduct, after himself revealing their absence a day to the Sharks clash.

“I’m not here to talk about players who are not here. I want to focus on the ones who have played against one of the best teams in KPL and won,” offered the coach.

Second string centre back Charles Momanyi was handed the armband in the absence of the two, and was instrumental in smothering Sharks’ efforts upfront partnering Joachim Oluoch in the defense.

Francis Afriye, Gor’s Ghanaian import scored the only goal in stoppage time to take K’Ogalo four points clear on the KPL summit.

Goal ratio

Afriye told Citizen Digital he is confident scoring at least a goal in every match is possible, having scored in the two matches he has played so far.

“When I was in the Mexican league I found myself scoring freely and winning man of the match accolades severally. I said when I came I want to score in every match but unfortunately I have not played much because of injuries. I’m not yet fully fit but I will I believe I can do it.”

Afriye and another West African import Gnamien Yike have not been regular in Gor’s squad after arriving with injuries, and were both in action on Sunday.

In regard to the speculation that the duo was planning to ditch the club for KCB, club deputy secretary general Ronald Ngala allayed the fears saying the duo is still contracted with Gor and any club interested in their services should talk to the club.

“This (link to KCB) cannot be true. Right now the transfer window is not open not unless they sit out till mid season. No club can recruit at the moment,” added Ngala.

Muguna, since taking the arm band following the departure of Haron Shakava has been a cog in Gor Mahia’s midfield. He was on target twice when Gor dismissed Burundi’s Aigle Noir in the CAF Champions League before they were dropped to CAF Confederation courtesy of a 6-1 loss to Algeria’s USM Algers.

Gor Mahia sit at the summit of the league with maximum points having won all their first five encounters. Last season they finished at the helm with a total of 75 points.

Additional reporting by Milton Ochieng

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GOR MAHIA KPL title Joash Onyango financial woes

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