Gor Mahia to play Ugandan side
A chance for fans to see this year’s team
courtesy of futaa.com
Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia has lined up a number of friendly matches ahead of a busy 2014 season that kicks off on Saturday 8 February with a CAF Champions League clash against US Bitan of Gabon.
The Kenyan champions are set to take on Uganda’s representatives in the CAF Confederations Cup Sports Club Victoria University (SCVU) in a friendly match on Tuesday 4 February. According to vice chairman Faiz Ochieng, the clash will be staged at the Nairobi City Stadium as from 1600hrs on the day.
Days before the clash, Gor Mahia will play Nairobi County League side Supa Loaf FC in a friendly scheduled for Saturday 18 January at the Nyayo National Stadium then take on third tier side Mumbi Nationale FC on Saturday 25 January at the same venue.
The team is expected to take part in the Kenya Power Charity Cup so the first weekend of February has been reserved for the one day tournament.
Lavatsa just dissapeared from camp
As it turns out, Kenyan international Edwin Lavatsa might well have left without the blessings of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia as he completed his move to Algerian top flight side MC Algier.
As revealed by the club’s vice chair Faiz Ochieng, the player dragged his feet on signing a new deal even after agreeing on the same and the club had even gone ahead to register him as one of the players to represent Gor Mahia in the CAF Champions League later in the year.
Security fears
He informed futaa.com that Lavatsa had left Gor Mahia’s pre season camp in Loitoktok on Friday 10 January citing concern over his house’s security back in Nairobi but as it emerged he was preparing to fly out, an act he says is wrong from a player who has all along been treated well at the team.
-The way Lavatsa left was not the best thing he should have done; we like all our players to leave for better prospects but in a good way. Lavatsa told the technical team at Loitoktok that he feared for the security of his house back in Nairobi and thus had to leave earlier but then the next thing we heard was that he is in Algeria.
Signing fee
-Until that point he was a free agent but we had agreed that he will sign a new deal after returning from Loitoktok and he demanded a Kshs 250,000 as signing fee which we had accepted and was processing.
-His action was wrong because we had already registered his name with CAF as one of our players for the Champions League and it is even worse because he is a boy we loved so much as a club, he told futaa.com.
Lavatsa is the third Gor Mahia player to leave on a free transfer after Donald Mosoti and Ivo Mapunda’s departure in late 2013.
Blackberry on why he came back
George Odhiambo reveals to Goal.com that he is confident of regaining his old form which saw him named the Kenyan Premier League best player in 2010
Gor Mahia forward George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo has expressed confidence that coming back to the club will help him rediscover his top form.
“This is where it all started and believe that with hard work I can reclaim the glory I had in 2010. I am determined to do even better than that. This time I came with enormous experience and exposure which should help e do better,” he told Goal.
Wanyonyi: I have unfinished business at Gor Mahia
Highly talented youngster Joseph Wanyonyi has come out to declare to goal.com he is not about to part ways with champions Gor Mahia even as rumours continue linking him to arch-rivals AFC Leopards’.
The teenager, who sprung to fame in the second leg of the Kenyan Premier League for the champions, has come out to distance himself from the rumours.
“I am not going anywhere. Gor Mahia is my family and I can categorically state that I am not about to move. They gave me a chance to play football notwithstanding my age,” the former Aspire Academy product told Goal.
“Head coach Bobby Williamson has been like a father to me mentoring and giving me necessary advice. The senior players too have made me understand this is where I belong.”
This comes as reports indicate that high spending Ingwe are about to splash big money to land the prodigy to the club his dad used to turn out for. “My dad used to persuade me to play for Ingwe. He (daddy) currently knows that I am happy now playing for Gor Mahia and that won’t change any time soon.”
Altitude Training
Outward Bound Training Camp in Loitoktok was their base for one week and head coach Bobby Williamson believes the club has emerged with a reputation greatly enhanced after their routine pre-season high altitude training.
Williamson described the one-week stint as the best pre-season for Gor and said they could have stayed another three days. The Scot underlined the need for players to work extra hard to earn a chance in the starting line-up.
“We have a great squad and it’s going to be a long season but only 11 can play at a given time. It will be hard to pick the starting 11; if you get the chance run with it because there will be no ‘next time, said Williamson to the Standard.
“We will not promise second chances; instead it is your ability that will earn you playing time and keep you on the team. I don’t kick players out – their form does,” he said.
The former Uganda Cranes head coach reiterated the need for the newly signed players to up their game to match the standards of the club, with a focus on the continental tourney. Williamson has used the time to analyse the depth of his squad which will be tested fully this season in the KPL as well as CAF Champions League. “We have a great squad and it’s going to be a long season but only 11 can play at a given time,”. “It will be hard to pick the starting 11; if you get the chance run with it because there will be no ‘next time.’ “We will not promise second chances; instead it is your ability that will earn you playing time and keep you on the team. “I don’t kick players out – their form does,” he added.
Outward Bound Training Centre Director David Kurao was thankful to the club’s management for what he said was not only to help talent development but also a unique opportunity that over the last three years, the greater Loitoktok community have been privileged to be part of Gor Mahia. We really feel honoured to be identified with the champions. Training at 6,500m above sea level gives the boys an upper hand in terms of strength and endurance. The process of winning is always painful. Locals here follow your performance,” said Kurao.
Also present were officials, Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier, Senior Vice Chairman David Kilo, Secretary General George Bwana, his deputy Roselinder Achieng and Assistant Treasurer Gerphas Okuku. Bwana commended the boys for their hard work and outstanding show of cohesion with the new players. The club will unveil their new signings a week before hosting the Gabonese side US Bitam.
Eti Gor to play supa loaf fc! Yawa hata kama ni build up match, hii imezidi. Better we play jericho Allstars ama makongeni youth. Atleast we can get a player or two from these teams who we can nurture to stardom.
Wanyonyi that is the mark of a person who will go very far.Thank you for appreciating the senior players and the coach. Just be patient and continue sharpening your skills. May the Lord bless your aspirations. I will keep praying for the entire Gor Team.
Mcosweto – Supa Loaf and Tuso. You just need tea. By the way you need these easy games to come up with formations.
Good decision just like the decision not to go to Mapindusi cup.
Mcosweto, you are always out of point. For your information, the club does not to play against a strong team like AFc or Simba or Yanga. Let us be objective in our comments but not negative.
We start with small team then you graduate gradually in tournaments like KPLC charity cup please.
get formation after that is wen uwl b able to hav ua game plan n thats whats called build up in football n thats what bro.omondi has jst said above.meanwhile lets forget thoz that hav gone we hav able taem nothing to worry about.
In addition to these friendlies, I wish Gor Mahia could invite Kampala City Council (the team that knocked out Kenya Breweries before beating the all-conquering Simba Sports in the Mapinduzi cup final). The friendly match against KCC could be used to unveil the new signings and I know it would attract a large crowd even if not well-marketed. Migosi Albert Kosero can you work something from your end?.
Am happy with the composition of the team…however i wish we could sign at least 1 more central defender and a midfielder considering the number of games we are scheduled to play this season.
All the best to the team this season!!!
congratulations Wanyonyi but don’t be like Lavatsa who gor natured then ran away like Paul pogba.
Mwakio, why not ignore my comments if you feel they are not on point? I’m entitle to my opinion, if you don’t like them you can as well ask the admin to do away with them.
Why should a club preparing for continental matches, against serious and organised teams play friendly with 3rd tire teams? What conclusion will the team draw from outcome of such matches?
When Bayern munichn and man city were busy guaging themselves against serious opponents in audi cup, man u were busy playing yokohama university and some scandinavian teams and foolishly believed that all will be well. The outcomes are there for all to see.
We may beat that mkate team and sing our way to town, fooling ourselves that the team is good to go. Beating Bitam from Gabon will see us meet Esperance of tunisia. That’s when we will get to know the difference between preparing for a continental championship and some domestic cup competition.
The last time i checked gor had a coach BW and if he decides thats the way to go then we shall trust him with the decision. I totally agree that is the way to go too. We would rather start slow with smaller teams and build on this as we draw near the continental tie.
Any coach worth his salt would not do what AFC and Tusker did playing against teams that are already in session. The repurcussion is there for all to see. Fans were dissappointed and this can easily dampen their spirit.
I think our team is well balanced and as the coach said picking the first 11 will be a hard task if all the players are in tip top shape but in my opinion the easy department for the coach to pick will definately be the defence an indication of lack of depth in that area.vo
As per my usual policy I will wait 4 at least the first 5 competitive games 2 know the prowess of BW as head coach.
All said this is his team & given that he opted 2 stay @ K’galo instead of going 2 Yanga means that he has confidence in the team. With the likes of BB,Flava & emphasis on midfield recruitment I hope the aerial football of last year will be replaced by entertaining soccer & beautiful/plenty goals.
I don’t expect much in CAF but c no reason y we can’t win CECAFA, LEAGUE & GOTV.
Our achilles heal remains in the management of club affairs as evidenced by the loose comments of one of the numerous Vice Chairmen at GM.
At least Love-A-Star didn’t dissappear with GM’s money Situmbeko/Pinchez style.
Seriously we don’t need lame excuses/positions by/in EC.
As 4 Timona & even Lavasta’s figures that would make them one of the most expensive signings in Kenya & one of the highest paid players in Africa respectively. I think the figures are hyped for some reason or other.
Rich Gor splash Sh5.6m: Club is highest spender on transfer of players
Those who have been signed by Gor Mahia so far are Godfrey Walusimbi, Godfrey Kizito, Rama Salim, Shaban Kenga, George Odhiambo, Jared Obwoge, Kelvin Oluch, David Juma, Haron Shakava, Dan Onyango and John Kariuki.
In order to keep up with the high expectations, Gor Mahia have been on a spending spree in the on-going transfer period and by last Thursday had splashed Sh5.6 million on buying players.
Last season the club spent Sh1.6 million to bolster its squad while in 2011 they used less than Sh1 million to buy players .
The current figure is, therefore, a record spending by the club’s own standards and those of any local side and is perhaps an indication of how serious the club is in regard to having a successful season.
Not only has the club spent the highest amount of money on players, it has also signed more players which stands at 11 with a few days remaining before the window closes.
Source:
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/mobile/?articleID=2000102323&story_title=rich-gor-splash-sh5-6m-club-is-highest-spender-on-transfer-of-players
Congratulations to Executive Committee
Congrats to the Chairman Wakili Ambrose Rachier for breaking the transfer record in signing the players. Now we expect good performance from the newly recruited players and technical bench team led by Bobby Williamson.
I am glad teams in Kenya are now paying sign on fee. It is such a good idea.
I watched Gabon playing Burundi last Night (CHAN). We must prepare for a physical game with speed,accurate passing,good midfield play and dangerous attackers in front of goal.Please TB take note.We can easily predict play style by watching such game.We are facing a difficult Gabon team.
I beleive EC has done a wonderful job…its now the technical bench to bring the trophies home…kudos A R and ur team
I think the return of RAMA and BLACKBERRY and the signing of OBWOGE will help us retain this trophy soo easily.GOO GORMAHIA GOO.
It looks like we are slowly engaging the gears for the new season. A lot of concentration has been on the club and recruitment, and this is okay because it is crucial.. May be we could also engage each other on how best the supporters will handle themselves once the league takes off, so that we do not experience some of the detrimental things that almost soiled our club last season.
Yes, on Lavatsa, Mosoti and Madonkey, i blame the EC, poor strategy, or maybe ‘Gor-Lappset’. BB is back, definitely he will shine coz always a Kogallo, on Wanyonyi he can leave if he wants don’t block him bcoz we are the Gafment, i remember in the 80,s when the engine left my Dad broke our old Sanyo tops timber radio, but Dawo senior in Kerenga( Kericho) then told him not to worry coz Sirkal will always be Sirkal, to our surprise in came Zamalek who was a pure masterpiece, so if he leaves Sirkal will always be the Gafment as Dawo senior used to say. But i hope will stay to be our next Obwaka. To our EC pls strengthen the branches for marketing of merchandise and fan base organization and resource mobilization the way it was back then. Peace, remba go jawa jawa ne Gor Mahono.
@Jaupanda you are right in that we have heaped lots of praise and blame on the EC. But as fans we should also know that despite having a good team our performance will at times not be the best since the team is composed of humans and not machines.
We therefore will be required to act in a civilized way when things don’t go our way. Some of our behaviours actually ‘scares’ some players. We don’t want a case where Jerry and Lucky Dube (now left) are pleading with fans to let the game go on. Unfortunately some of us don’t learn from the past and don’t care about the repurcussions from such behaviours
McOsweto i agree you r entitled to your opinion .Could you please tell me what Tusker and Ingwe gained by playing ‘high profile’ teams in Mapinduzi?While they were busy incurring injuries n looking for excuses to appease their fan base,we were wisely embarking on a high altitude endurance training for the boys.
On to another issue, i would like to commend the office for doing smart transfer business this tym round.Whether tht gets them re-elected is another matter altogether.
Let’s be abit forthright here we’ve paid out 5.6m on bringing in players 2 GM & got absolutely nothing for 3 top players who have left.
2ndly which EC members have done well. It required the intervention of AR( though I’ll forvever question his jua kali methods) 4 the deals 2 go through so the big question is why do we need a bloated EC of 11. WHO APART FROM LAVASTA IS IN THE CAF LIST?
Will the players have a medical cover this season?
What r the roles of the 3 V.Cs & 5 Secretaries?
ODUOR 12 thats true and very unfortunate, but its now water under the bridge. My plea: please, please anybody with the clubs interest at heart, please lets behave well and have a peaceful election.It is not a matter of life and death, please please.
To the hooligans please lets have a different year, this is a great team which has been put in place, lets appreciate them in LOSS OR WIN, in the name of the game.Lets also appreciate that even with the excitement other Kenyans must move on with their daily life and activities. NO THROWING OBJECTS,NO INSULTS.EC please print large peace banners early and have them erected prominently at all our matches, educate your supporters NOW AND NOT TOMORROW.
Bloggers, I think the time is now ripe for us to discuss fans’ behaviors and how we can control and influence our fans on the importance of being peaceful before, during and after Gor Mahia matches.
I know this is a very difficult task but with more engagement and strong will, we can gradually bring this change and in return Gor Mahia fans can be voted the most peaceful and well behaved fans this season of 2014.
We need to get champions leaders to lead this peaceful campaign in all terraces, main stand and outside the stadium to influence the thinking and behavior of our fans. We propose that we need to identify popular fans that can drive this home to achieve our desired objective of increasing the fan base and being peaceful. Once we have appointed an overall champion leader, other sub champion leaders can also be identified.
All trouble makers, bhangi smokers, bad mannered, unscrupulous, shameless, appalling, naughty, etc should be put on notice that this year will not be business as usual.
We fans must come out with strong campaign against hooliganism and bad behavior. We must stand firm to be counted. We must denounce all these bad behaviors among our fans.
Is it possible for admin to give us a list of the aspirants vis a vis the positions vied for or may be O’Trailer could kindly and gladly do the same because its the next important activity.
Gor has released a list of 26 players to do duty for the club. There is one unknown character called Herbert kopany. Doe any body know who this guy is ?
@Mwakio P. You are very right. There is a saying that goes”oyieyo mang’eny ok kuny bur” This means, many rats do not dig the same hole at the same point and place at the same time. There must be only one doing it so that the rest will simply join in at their right time. The principle is that you can only have one leader at a time. Now identifying an influential leader I think is a very practical way to go. Because then you have a central point of command. “Imagine Jakom comimg to watch football and before the match kicks off, he gets up and warns any person bent towards causing trouble will be dealt with.Nobody would dare go to the contrary” That is what I mean on central command.With the mission to create peace and interest for people to come to the Stadium we will indeed enjoy our game without fear of insecurity and loss of property. The bottom line is , more people will come to watch and increase revenue for our team.