Number One Pollack wants greater Gor success

Number One Pollack wants greater Gor success

Matthews Mutai Radio/Citizen Digital Sports ReporterMatthews Mutai

Steven Pollack said he is ready to tap into his competitive spirit to drive Gor Mahia FC into greater heights as he turned his latest managerial chapter on Thursday.

Pollack formally took over the reins following his unveiling yesterday with the club also rolling out its 17 new signings ahead of the new Kenyan Premier League season.

The English-Finish will take charge of Gor on Sunday when the KPL champions take on Aigle Noir of Burundi in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash.

The 58-year-old succeeds Hassan Oktay who achieved unprecedented success at Gor including guiding the club to a first ever CAF Champions League quarter-finals appearance.

“They did really well last season and most of the years they did quite well so I’m not going to change much. I’m not going to change too much but hopefully the changes will help the team move forward.

“I have my own philosophy and hopefully the team buys into it. If there’s one thing I can promise everybody out there is that my players have to work with good commitment and most importantly enjoy the game,” the former Asante Kotoko coach said.

Gor have lost key players who played starring roles in the club’s recent success that includes a hat-trick of successive league titles, leaving Pollack with a job to mould new stars.

Captain Harun Shakava, who has been central to one of Gor’s most successful squads and a dependable leader in, departed the club after five years to join Nkana FC of Zambia.

Talismanic forward Jacques Tuyisenge also left at the close of last season for Angolan powerhouse Petro Atletico after three years in which he established himself as a modern era legend at the club.

Francis Kahata, Gor’s creative influence for years, joined Simba SC but despite these key exits Pollack remains adamant he can sustain the success.

Six of Gor’s new signings including Caleb Omondi, Alphonce Ombija, Lloyd Khavuchi, Godfrey Ombijo, Richdonald Bolo, Samuel Osok were promoted from their youth team.

“It’s not easy and it won’t be easy but like I said earlier I like to be number one; to be competitive and that is something I believe this team will be. It’s quite a young squad and that’s great.

“When I spoke to the chairman (Ambrose Rachier) yesterday I told him I don’t look at your passport and see how old you are; I look to see can you play. If you’re good enough then I will play you.

“I’m happy to get this squad that we have. I’ve seen them play during my first friendly and I think there are things that have to be worked on but that’s always normal when you’re new at a club,” Pollack said.

Gor will begin their domestic campaign with a league clash against Tusker FC on September 1, a week after hosting Aigle Noir in Nairobi for the return leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash.

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Gor Mahia FC KPL Steven Pollack Aigle Noir

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