Rachier promises players money before Belouizdad tie

There could be financial reprieve in Gor Mahia’s camp ahead of the CR Belouizdad CAF Champions League return match, with the Kenyan champions undertaking to pay accrued players’ salaries and allowances on Tuesday.

Gor players have been on reported go-slows, especially before their first leg clash against the Algerian side, demanding to be paid. Noteworthy, K’Ogalo stand-coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’Omollo attributed the heavy loss (6-0) they suffered in the hands of Belouizdad on December 26 to the go-slows.

But, on Monday afternoon, club Chairman Ambrose Rachier revealed their plan to clear the arrears while explaining the delay.

‘’We have been waiting for our sponsor to release the money and they have confirmed they will do so today (Monday) so tomorrow we will pay them their dues,” noted Rachier, further claiming the matter has however been blown out of proportion by a section of media.

According to the long serving Gor chief, players were given a four-day rest after the Algeria trip but are already back in camp.

”We all know that our players travelled over the holidays to Algeria and never had time with their families. When they came back we gave them four days rest and join their families albeit late. No player is on a go-slow,” he insisted.

Belouizdad arrived in the country on Monday and trained at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani before a scheduled light training at the Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, ahead of the Wednesday duel.

But despite the expected boost, Pamzo is on record saying it will be an uphill task to overturn the Algiers defeat.

“It will not be easy for us. Those boys know why they are in this competition and their pace is scary in all departments’’, said Omollo.

Gor who without captain Kenneth Muguna in the match, will drop to the lower tier of Continental Championship, the CAF Confederations Cup should they bow of the CL showpiece. The match kicks off at 3pm on Wednesday at the Nyayo National Stadium.