Coach Nuttall recalls a difficult season

Coach Frank Nuttall admits it was not easy keeping the team together during the 2015 season. Though the team put on a splendid and united display each time they stepped on the field, things were not always rosy behind the scenes. Among other things, the players often boycotted training to protest unpaid salaries.

“We played under very difficult circumstances. Sometimes, I used to plead with the players to resume training after boycotting. I contemplated throwing in the towel in support of my players but considered many factors and had to tone down considering the club had no sponsor. I had no particular person to blame since I saw how the executive played a great role of striving to get money to sustain the team,” said Nuttall after the match.

Indeed Chairman Rachier must be given a lot of credit for keeping the team afloat.

Nuttall further praised Kogalo fans aka the green army for supporting the team both financially and on the terraces.

“In life nothing good comes on a silver platter. You have to struggle to realise your ambition or target. It was not easy sailing considering we had no sponsor. We kept on extending our begging bowl to everyone for help and I’m happy our fans gave us massive support. The green army came out in full support and that extra shilling they gave us pushed us to where we are now. Personally, I feel touched by their massive support that took us to another level,” said Nuttall to supersport.com

Whereas Nuttall has praised the players and the club officials, he probably deserves a lot more praise. Under Nuttall, the team has shown a creativity and variety in their play that has befuddled and confused opposing teams who simply had no answer. Gone is the “patia Sserunkuma” tactic that was prevalent in 2014. The Gor Mahia of 2015 was unpredictable and could attack teams in a variety of ways. It comes as no surprise that Kogalo have scored an incredible 54 goals with four matches left and have two players among the top four scorers in the league. Nuttall was able to identify each players strengths and harness those strengths to the maximum.