Gor Mahia beef squad with Ivorian attacker

Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia has finalized the signing of Ivorian striker Gikam Ephraim from Mauritius outfit AS Port-Louis 2000 . Ephraim is an  Ivorian under- 23 national team player, and according to deputy secretary general, Ronald Ngala, he has the needed experience in the Champions League, having played in it last season, scoring six goals, two of which were against Tusker FC, edging the Kenyan club out of the tourney.

“We can confirm the signing of striker Gikan Ephraim from a club in Mauritius. We have scouted him for some time and we watched him play against Tusker in the Caf- Champion’s League. We also watched him on you tube and had a  fruitful discussion with his agent. Everything has worked to plan,” Ngala told Citizen Digital.

Gor Mahia are set to play in the Caf- Champions League next year, and according Ngala,  the move has bolstered their continental title hopes.

However, the transfer could put the club under scrutiny as they will have surpassed the Kenya Premier League international quota rule. The rule allows each KPL club to have a maximum of five foreign players in its rank.

Gor Mahia already has five foreign players in Meddie Kagere, Karim Nizigiyimana, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza , Jacque Tuyisenge, and Godfrey Walusimbi.

Despite this, Ngala is confident that the club will find a way out.

Speculation is rife that with the arrival of the Ivorian,  Baptiste could be on his way out after spending most of his time on the bench.

“We are aware of it(foreign quota rule). We do not want to breach the rule. Plans are underway to ensure we play accordingly to the rule book,” he said without clarifying.

K’Ogalo are still be on the lookout as they bid to strengthen the team .Ngala says they are still targeting  two defenders, two midfielders, and another striker,  as they brace for the looming loss of talented midfielder Kenneth Muguna, who is on the verge of sealing a move Albania.