Gor set eyes on CAF Cup quarters, rally fan support

Kenya’s representative in the CAF Confederation Cup Gor Mahia are determined to make it to the last eight despite losing 2-1 to Angola’s Petro Atletico last Wednesday in their second group D clash in Angola.

In an interview on Radio Citizen’s Michezo na Burudani sports show, club CEO Lordvic  Aduda said that they are not taking chances this time round and are targeting to win all their home matches.

K’Ogalo fluffed their healthy chances of making it to the quarters last term after drawing 1-1 with APR of Rwanda away, only to shockingly lose 2-1 at home in the rematch to all but scuttle their dreams.

The CEO who was put to task to answer to claims of funds mismanagement at the club turned the heat on those  blaming the club noting that “they are contributing to lack of finances in the club”.

Aduda’s reaction was in response to the flak the club management received in the wake of their appeal on the government to help them honour the international matches by purchasing air tickets for the team.

“The sponsorship money does not cater for CAF assignments. We do not have a budget for CAF matches. Our true fans need to understand this ,’’he implored on the wide ranging interview with show host Jacob Icia.

Aduda blamed a section of fans for complaining about “the little gate collections” saying they are the same people who collude with stewards and bribe them with as little as Ksh. 50 to access the stadium instead of paying Ksh. 200 for the terraces.

“The monies don’t end up in Gor Mahia coffers. How then do we pay players their allowances? Most of these fans have not even registered as members yet they are loud on social media,’’ asserted Aduda.

The CEO took issue with a section of fans who engage in hooliganism saying their despicable acts have resulted into the club being slapped with hefty fines.

According to Aduda, FKF has written to the club asking them to pay Ksh 381,000 following destruction witnessed at the Kasarani Stadium during last season’s last Mashemeji derby where seats were dismantled by both AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia fans.

This is after Bernard Ondiek scored the second goal for Gor prompting Leopards’ fans fury. The match ended 2-0 in favor of K’Ogalo.

CAF also slapped a Ksh. 500,000 on the club for throwing water bottles onto the pitch during last season’s CAF Confederation group stage match against Rwandese club Rayon Sport.

Aduda also appealed to the fans to support the team on February 24 during their third CAF Confederation match against NA Hussein Dey of Algeria at Kasarani.