Mathare coach Ali confirms talks with Gor

Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have opened talks with Mathare United head coach Salim Ali over the possibility of him taking over as assistant head coach at K’Ogalo.

Widely respected and regarded as the ‘’perfect gentleman” in Kenyan’s football circles, Ali confirmed to Citizen Digital that he has been approached by the management of Gor but added that talks are ongoing with nothing concluded yet.

Gor have been scouting for a tactician to deputise Portuguese Carlos Manuel Van Pinto after Patrick Odhiambo ditched the giants for Kakamega Homeboyz as Nicholas Muyoti’s number two.

Ali has however said he will give details once an amicable agreement is reached noting that he’s at the moment concentrating on his role at Mathare.

‘’Yes we talked but we have not agreed. The talks are still on and I will give details once an amicable agreement is reached. At the moment I am still loyal to my employer Mathare United,’’ explained the soft spoken Ali.

Gor have tough assignments ahead, from fighting to retain the league title to making a mark at the continental level having secured a place to the CAF Confederations  Cup playoffs.

They are pitted against Zambia’s Napsa Stars with the first leg scheduled for Nairobi on February 14 before the return fixture a week later in Zambia. Gor has endured instability in the recent past in its technical bench after Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira was barred from handling the team at the continental level over his coaching badges.

He was only in charge of the team for three months before parting ways with the club. His then assistant Patrick Odhiambo left the club guessing failing to attend training sessions before finally settling at Homeboyz, prompting KÓgalo to start searching for his replacement.

Club secretary Sam Ocholla recently told Citizen Digital they were in talks with Posta Rangers coach Sammy Omollo to take up the role. This was however rubbished by ‘Pamzo’ a week later saying he had not had any talks with Gor.

‘’Which office are you talking about. Gor has two offices and none of them has approached me. Currently I am committed to my club,’’  ‘Pamzo’ said as he laughed off the claims.

The arrival of the former St. Georgia’s coach Van Pinto has seemingly brought some steel in the team after conceding as much as 13 goals from five matches in all competitions. They have so far won two matches under Pinto beating Mathare United and Western Stima respectively.

After a successful Western Kenya outing, Gor will now play hosts to Vihiga United on Saturday January 23 before hosting Zoo Kericho on January 27 in Nairobi.

They will then attempt to sink Bandari at the Coast on the very last day of this month.