Month: August 2017

Muguna begs to leave as Kerr demands Ksh 100m

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Midfielder Kenneth Muguna is pleading with the club to set him free so he can pursue a move to KF Tirana in Europe.

Courtesy of the Nation
Gor Mahia midfielder Kenneth Muguna on Thursday maintained he “expects” to leave the club for Albanian club FK Tirana before the end of this month.

Speaking a day after Nation Sport exclusively highlighted his desire to walk out, the Kenya international also told this paper he was preparing to hold crunch talks with club chairman Ambrose Rachier to force an exit.

But in a related twist, the club’s coach Dylan Kerr said that Muguna would not be leaving unless his suitors were are willing to pay a Sh100 million transfer fee.

Muguna also asked Gor Mahia fans to “understand” his decision of seeking greener pastures in Europe.

Said the youngster: “(Gor Mahia fans) Kindly understand, I am sad to say this but I really want to go to Europe and build my career… it will not be the end of Gor Mahia. Even the likes of Olunga left but the club has remained a force.”

“I spoke to the club chairman before we went to the polls. He asked for official communication from Tirana. Now they have received a letter from (FK) Tirana requesting for my services. I want to meet him again to reiterate my desire to leave.”

Kerr has, however, accused his predecessor, Brazilian Jose Marcelo Ferreira aka Ze Maria, who currently handles Tirana, of tapping his players.

Muguna makes formal request to leave

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Midfielder Kenneth Muguna has made a request for a free transfer to KF Tirana. The Albanian team does not want to pay a transfer fee but wants an agreement where Gor Mahia would benefit if Muguna is then sold to another team.

Courtesy of the Nation
Gor Mahia midfielder Kenneth Muguna has asked to leave the club amid interest for his services from Albanian club FK Tirana and Zambian champions Zanaco.

The club’s assistant secretary general Ronald Ngala, however, told Nation Sport the player’s wish had been turned down.

Ngala said on Wednesday: “He wrote a letter asking to leave but we said no. He has to wait until the end of the season.”

“These young players at times feel like we are blocking them from better deals but this isn’t the case.”

This stand-off between player and club comes barely eight months since the 21-year old joined the Kenya Premier League table toppers on a four year contract.

Tirana are managed by former K’Ogalo coach Jose Marcelo Ferreira aka Ze Maria.

It is Ze Maria who signed Muguna from Western Stima last December, a week after he had been crowned the 2016 Kenyan Premier League Most Valuable Player.

“They (Tirana) have shown interest in Muguna through an agent who brought Ze Maria here but there is nothing official. We have no offer from them,” added Ngala.

Muguna’s current stance coincides with a public tongue lashing the player received from new coach Dylan Kerr earlier this month.

The English trainer accused Muguna of absconding training.

Said Kerr following the club’s last game against Nakumatt: “It’s a shame that he (Muguna) didn’t feature today because he was very pivotal for us in the last game. I am told his knee is swollen but I haven’t seen him. As a professional footballer, you are paid to work and if you are paid to work and you don’t show up, it is wrong.”

Now enjoying his third-season in the top flight, Muguna is fast carving a reputation as a classy attacking midfielder with wonderful ball skills.

He is a good passer of the ball and reads the game well, and is largely depended upon by Gor Mahia to produce the final pass to the strikers during attacks.

He is a good dribbler but does struggle when the game gets physical because of his slim stature.

It remains to be seen if Muguna will be part of Gor Mahia’s squad in Saturday’s league assignment against Muhoroni Youth in Kisumu.

In a related development, Gor Mahia duo Jacques Tuyisenge and Geoffrey Walusimbi have turned down potential moves to Europe.

These two have been in the radar of Albanian club FK Tirana. Ze Maria is said to be the one pushing his employers to get the Gor players.

Gor Mahia waiting for formal offer on Muguna

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Gor Mahia official Ronald Ngala has indicated that Kenneth Muguna has not left the club. Rather he has expressed a desire to leave but Kogalo are yet to receive a formal offer from KF Tirana, the club he has been associated with.

“He has expressed his desire to leave and we will not stand in his way if Tirana approaches us for negotiations since Muguna has a contract us. They haven’t made an official communication to us but once they come on board and we reach an agreement, we will allow Muguna to chase his European dream. Normally, we do not block players from advancing to a higher level or pursue their overseas dream.” said Ngala to the Star newspaper.

Muguna joined Gor Mahia in January of this year and had been a stellar performer under coach Ze Maria. The Brazilian who now coaches KF Tirana in Albania,  is now keen to bring Muguna into his new team.

CEO Ludovick Aduda also concurred that the club will let Muguna go if an appropriate offer is tabled.

“We have not received offers for Muguna. He is still a Gor Mahia player, with a running contract for three years.  Those are just rumours because we have not released the player and that is why he played on Saturday against Muhoroni Youth.

“We cannot stop the player from leaving if the right procedure is followed. Tirana should write to us and we will negotiate on behalf of the player, if we reach an agreement then the player can go.” said Aduda to goal.com

Gor Mahia received some cash when players like Khalid Aucho left. On the other hand players like Ali Abondo and Eric Ouma left on free transfer.

Gor Mahia provides excellent exposure for players who are looking for a move to Europe. Which is why such players should not be allowed to go free.

Muguna off to KF Tirana

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Gor Mahia midfielder Kenneth Muguna is off to Albania to join former coach Ze Maria at KF Tirana

Courtesy of sportpesanews.com

The Brazilian tactician who left Gor to join the Albanian second division side FK Tirana in July has included the 2016 SPL Player of the Year in his plans to push for promotion.

Muguna is set to join Tirana on a four-year deal, with a source privy to the negotiations claiming that the former Western Stima FC man has already put pen to paper and the move is held up by Visa confirmation.

“He has already signed and is just waiting to clear with Gor and get the Third Party Form for his International Transfer Certificate,” the source added.

Kerr anger

Albanian website Panorama Sports also quoted the former Brazilian international praising the midfielder who bagged both the SPL Player and Midfielder of the Year awards last season.

It reported that Muguna would be a replacement for Congolese midfielder, Merveil.

“He (Muguna) is from Kenya and is currently part of Gor team that Jose Ferreira led before he came to Albania. The club has already reached an agreement with him,” the website wrote.

The development comes days after Ze Maria’s successor, Briton Head Coach Dylan Kerr lashed out at the player for absconding training on the eve of their SPL match, against Nakumatt FC.

Gor Mahia dispatch Muhoroni 2-0

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Kagere in action against Muhoroni Youth on Saturday

Kogallo consolidated their lead atop the KPL standings with a convincing 2-0 win over Muhoroni Youth at Kisumu stadium on Saturday. The first goal came via Jacque Tuyisenge in the 41st minute. George Odhiambo who is quickly regaining his goal-scoring form, netted the second goal in the 80th minute. Gor Mahia now have 37 points.

Additional reporting from the Standard
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 5- Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr picked up his third Kenyan Premier League win in a row since taking charge of the team, guiding the 15-time champions to a 2-0 win over Muhoroni Youth at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday.

Jacques Tuyisenge scored his second goal in as many matches for Gor in the first half with George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo adding the second as Gor opened up a four point gap over second placed Posta Rangers who play Nzoia Sugar on Sunday.

This is a record 10th consecutive victory for K’Ogalo but Kerr remains disappointed that his strikers have failed to bury most of the chances they have created.

“It is frustrating because we are still wasteful in the final third. We lack the technique and also there is a lack of understanding with players on the runs especially in the box,” Kerr noted.

“Of course I am delighted that we have won a third consecutive game and kept clean sheets in all. Again our keeper Peter (Odhiambo) was not tested in the match and his concentration levels have been very good.”

Kerr made two changes to the squad that beat Nakumatt 1-0 in midweek with Anthony Mbugua coming into midfield in place of Philemon Otieno while Timothy Otieno started on the right side of attack ahead of Boniface Omondi who dropped to the bench.

However, Mbugua’s first start of the season only lasted 26 minutes as he was forced out with a hamstring strain with Kenneth Muguna taking his spot.

Gor had started well with Meddie Kagere missing a sitter inside the first minute, failing to hit the ball on target from a Timothy Otieno cross. Four minutes later, Kagere had the ball inside the net from a Karim Nizigiyimana cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Tuyisenge opened the scoring in the 40th minute when he sneaked in at the near post to head home a Godfrey Walusimbi corner, Gor getting a reward for all their efforts.

In the second half, Gor upped the pressure with Otieno being hauled off for Boniface Omondi. Gor added pressure in attack with Omondi having efforts go wide from range.

Blackberry finally capped off the evening 12 minutes from time, coming on to the end of a wonderful team movement to slot past Salim Sowedi and seal the victory.

K’Ogalo’s next assignment will be away to soldiers Ulinzi Stars.

Dylan Kerr wants players to fight for places

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Dylan Kerr, The outspoken coach who is known for his colourful language, wants the players to fight in order to maintain their place in the starting line-up.

“You get the jersey, keep it! Don’t let anyone take it. It’s like having a girlfriend; you treat her good, treat her nice. There’s always someone who wants a piece of her and you don’t wanna lose her. Same in football; keep the jersey, make sure you are in the team,” he said to Capital FM.

He is likely referring to the goalkeeping position where Boniface Oluoch’s place in the starting was taken by Peter Odhiambo who went on to give a good account of himself.

Coach Kerr wants players to understand that their place in the team is not guaranteed.

“I want that competition; I don’t want people thinking that they have a God given right for that jersey. If I don’t think they are doing it, I will take it off them and then they have to show me they want it back,” he continued.

The coach’s frustration likely stems from the absence of key midfielder Kenneth Muguna whose reasons for absence are still not clear to the coach.

“He (Muguna) didn’t train yesterday (Tuesday) and in the morning (Wednesday) he said his knee was swollen. I haven’t seen him and that’s an internal thing that I will deal with. It’s a shame because I think he was pivotal for us on Sunday. But, to be honest, as a pro you are getting paid to work and as a pro if you are paid to work and you don’t show up for work, it is wrong,” the tactician added to Capital FM

Meanwhile the British coach continues to be dismayed and appalled by the lack of technique in Kenyan players.

“I have seen six games in Kenya and the lack of technique, ability in front of goal kills football. Every fan comes here to see goals. Yes we want to be entertained with good football, with trickery and skill on the ball but football is about scoring goals” he told Capital FM

Despite winning two games on the trot, Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr is not happy with his teams attack. Kerr who previously coached in Tanzania, thinks this is a problem across Africa.

“The problem with many teams in Africa is scoring goals, chances are created but that composure in front of goal is what is missing. Fans come to see goals and without goals, the match becomes boring, no goals no entertainment.” said Kerr to goal.com

However Kerr avows that the team has been working hard to sharpen their attack.

“This week we have been working on that but I am still disappointed with the fact that we scored just one goal despite creating many chances,” Kerr told

The goal that Tuyisenge scored against Nakumatt was well taken and showed composure in front of goal

Kerr is however happy with his defenders whom he thought gave a solid display.

“Credit to Nakumatt because they came at us from set pieces. But the defenders were fantastic, midfielders worked hard, but at half time I told them we were second best everywhere on the pitch,” said Kerr.

Kerr wants to instill confidence in his team to ensure that they understand that they are better than any opponent.

“My players have to believe they are the best and I believe we have the best squad and the best players. But we have to focus, know our job and then have the desire and plan to go play well. We take each game as it comes. We will keep on believing that what we achieve in one game is achievable in 16 more games,” he said.

Gor Mahia edge Nakumatt 1-0

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Kogalo have seemingly recovered their winning groove. They recorded their second successive win on the local scene after having gone winless in three matches. And the other good news is that the Dylan Kerr era has started on a sound note.

Additional reporting from the Nation

Rwandese international Jacques Tuyisenge’s lone goal against Nakumatt FC guided Gor Mahia back to the top of the SportPesa Premier League table in an encounter played on Wednesday at the Nyayo Stadium.

Tuyisenge slotted home the opener in the eleventh minute after a quick breakaway by George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo on the left flank

Gor leapfrogged Posta Rangers at the helm on 34 points with a game in hand. Rangers had gone top after their 1-0 win over champions Tusker early on at the same venue.

“We are still struggling to finish off our chances. Technically we don’t seem okay but I can’t blame anyone, this is not Europe. Again, Nakumatt were specialists in set pieces an area we’ve to work on,” Gor coach Dylan Kerr said after the match.

His Nakumatt counterpart Anthony Mwangi promised a better side after the one-week break owing to the upcoming General elections.

“Lapse in concentration led to the goal but we shall revisit our weaknesses yet again. At least today we managed to keep them on check but we can’t rejoice in the defeat. We’ve to come back stronger,” he said.

Gor Mahia quickly took control of possession from the opening whistle. Odhiambo on the 22nd minute saw his shot parried by Sammy Okinda in the Nakumatt post for a fruitless corner.

A minute after the half hour mark, Robert Omnuk raced down the right flank, did well by beating his marker but his cross targeting Kepha Aswani was blocked by Haron Shakava.

Godfrey Walusimbi took dead ball duties whenever they came their way. His well curled 35th minute corner was saved off the line by Okinda and a rebound from Boniface Omondi easily picked by the former KCB FC man.

Gor could have doubled the lead in the 39th minute. Omondi set up Karim Nizigiyiman on the right flank and the Burundian swiftly released a low cross with Meddie Kagere the target but the Ugandan born striker hit the side net.

Kagere once again hit the side nett in the 86th minute as Okinda stood out the entire second half.

Nakumatt’s chances to equalize were dented with frequent offsides. Their threats forced the Gor backline on their foot as Dylan Kerr and his assistant Zedekiah Otieno severally stood on the touchline issuing instructions.

Peter Odhiambo in Gor goal was tested on few occasions but none of the shots would threaten him as he went on to keep his second consecutive clean sheet.

Kerr wants Gor Mahia to pull up their socks for rematch

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Gor Mahia will take on Nakumatt on Wednesday as the second leg of the 2017 Kenya Premier League officially begins. New coach Dylan Kerr realizes that it is difficult to beat the same team twice in the same week.

“It is going to be a tougher match as compared to last weekend. They, Nakumatt, will be targeting revenge and they will make it harder for us. We need to work zealously and avoid mistakes, and the most important thing take our chances. They will want to get something from us,” he told goal.com

Kerr is also working on increasing the tempo of play in order to give opposing teams less time to organize their defence.

“We have good players but we have to improve our tempo. I have seen our training being like that of the premiership in England. The tempo, the follow, the challenges and we now have to replicate that on the pitch, he told futaa.com

Another area of concern for Kerr is the blunt attack. Unlike past seasons, none of the Kogalo strikers are among the league’s leading scorers.

“With African ability, stamina and endurance you can run all day. Now we have to work on the final third. Boniface (Omondi) had a one on one chance with the keeper he should have killed the game. Meddie (Kagere) had a couple of chances but he didn’t utilize. That is football and we will learn from mistakes and work on them to ensure they don’t happen again” he continued

Kerr also explained to futaa.com why Ernest Wendo and Boniface Oluoch were missing from the line-up.

“Wendo came back from Spain not 100 percent fit. After speaking to the physio and the doctor, I decided that I would rather lose Wendo in this match and not in six matches. His groin is not fully right. He has trained few days but he said it was a bit niggling, a bit sore” he said.

Wendo first picked up a groin injury during the match against Everton and should have been sidelined for rest.

Oluoch Kerr explained was in Kisumu to attend the burial of a friend.

“Boniface’s (Olouch)close friend passed on so he had to travel to Kisumu for funeral. I expect him to be back on Monday. I know he is not only important to Gor Mahia but important to the whole country but he will have to get back the jersey from Fredrick, because Fredrick had a clean-sheet” he added.

Backup goalkeeper Odhiambo has an opportunity to challenge Oluoch for a place in the starting line-up. It is not clear-cut who is better. What favours Oluoch is his experience.

After a disappointing 2016 season in which the deduction of three points for fan misbehavior derailed Kogalo, the team led by skipper Musa Mohamed is determined toregain the title from Tusker.

“I feel good and I thank the players for fighting. The first half we dominated but in the second half they came out strongly and I am happy the way we worked to get a win” said Musa to futaa.com

Coach Kerr praises players character

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Gor Mahia players celebrate after Walusimbi’s freekick resulted in an own goal by Nakumatt

Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr said he believes the team can reclaim the KPL title should they put up the same kind of performance in the remaining matches of the league.

“Right character is important and we showed it in both halves of our match against Nakumatt.” he said to the Standard.

Kerr was happy with the way the team was able to convert defence into offence rapidly. The second goal was a result of a counter attack that saw a Kogalo player make a goal line save from a set piece which was then turned into a counter attack that Blackberry finished.

” Apart from defending set-pieces well, we dominated possession and were dangerous on counter-attacks. Our focus is to win one match at a time and hopefully, the league at the end of the season,” he said to the Standard.

Kerr admitted that his side struggled to break down a determined Nakumatt side, which looked determined to get something out of the match.

“In the end, it was all about tenacity. That won the game for us. Our opponents looked determined and I must admit they were really good and it had to take something special to beat them,” he said.

The one area that Kerr knows he will need to work on is the attack which has become blunt.
We wasted a lot of chances in the first half, but Nakumatt really opened up the game in the second half and we had a better performance. I think we could have done better in the final third, with the kind of chances we created.” he told the KPL site.