Rama and Dan spearhead revival
Courtesy of Capital FM
Since joining the ‘Green Army’ midfielder Rama Salim and striker Dan Sserenkuma have been at the epicentre of Gor Mahia’s resurgence under Croat head coach Zdravko Logarusic.
The pair has been instrumental in K’Ogalo’s seven consecutive winning run in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), exciting the Gor support to a level that has seen them acclaimed from the stands to social networking sites.
Salim, a former Congo United player who was recruited from the coast-based side in January after relegation from the top flight is delighted he found a haven in K’Ogalo.
“My move to Gor which is a bigger club that Congo was a huge challenge and I had to put in a lot of hard work which I’m glad it’s paying off,” the KPL Young Player of the Year award winner told Capital Sport after a training session at the City Stadium.
He sank in a brilliant hat trick in their 3-1 victory over KCB a fortnight ago and was in the score sheet last weekend during the 4-0 drubbing of City Stars, Gor’s biggest win this season.
In the two ties, their partnership with Sserenkuma was the catalyst as they ran rings around the defence in their quest for goals which were reflected at the end of the final whistle.
Ugandan international Sserenkuma, City Stars top scorer before switching sides during the June transfer window, returned to haunt his former employers by scoring a brace on Saturday and strongly believes he will flourish during his stay at Gor.
“It’s a pleasure working with Rama and the other players, this is a club I love and I feel close to the fans,” the soft spoken goal poacher added.
He however admitted the tie where he was named a man of the match gave him mixed feelings.
“It was good game for me since I always want to score in every game but I felt sorry for my former team but it’s my job to score and that had to be done,” he detailed.
The two said they owed their recent good form to the belief that Logarusic has in them as he understands their strengths and has always urged them on as the side continues its charge to the summit of the league.
“Coach (Logarusic) is one the best in the country; he has impacted a lot of skills in me and taught me many things I didn’t know when I was in City.
“He is always behind me with lots of support and am hoping I will keep doing my best,” Sserenkuma told.
“At first we thought he was applying so much pressure on us but we got used to his style and now understand he is not that hard since it’s all about results in the end.
“I have noticed that he doesn’t say ‘you have done well’, but prefers to use the words ‘you have not done your best’ which gives you the urge to improve in each game,” revealed Salim.
The two penned two year deals at the club, but unlike Sserenkuma who is keen to stay, Salim is not resting on his laurels as he harbours ambition to further his career outside the KPL.
“I consider this is a stepping stone, besides I have the support from the technical bench who have told me repeatedly that should I get a chance for trials particularly abroad I will have their full backing,” the midfielder asserted.
“This was a good move for me and I feel at home, I wish I could sign for ten years but that is up to the technical bench for now,” Sserenkuma said on his part.
The two are expected to be key figures during the Top 8 derby against rivals AFC Leopards on Sunday which they consider a victory will be a befitting gift for their loyal fans.
“It will be a tough game but the players are ready to give their best for the fans,” they concurred.
Lads, the future is in your hands. We love you and our prayer is that one day you are going to play in Europe.
Just continue with hard work, remain discipline, stay focus, score goals and sky is going to be your limits.
Dan and Rama you have made us proud with your exploits, goals, pattern of play and skills. Keep it up boys.
Give us goal against EFUSI on Sunday 29 July 2012.
Wow i like the partnership of Rama, Dan and Log they are actually the darling of the league. I have been wondering whether in GM we dont have people who can reward our team with cash like Kidero is doing for Efusi. The facebook did it last year by donating air ticket to our team to travel by air to Mombasa since then i’ve heard nothing coming from them. The players need to be motivated for them to perform. We had an idea as bloggers to create a pool but we are not sure on how to go about it. somebody to take up the leadership role! I’m tired of listening that Efusi got this from so and so and our team which is better than them rely on Gate collection.
It is true Ochigah. These guys are more hot than the underside of a hot iron box (in fact they are green hot) yet no rewards are forthcoming?
Ochigah take up the leadership role for this project. If not then can we contract Wells Fargo?
YAH @OCHIGA …dats a cool idea bro am sure mafans we can motivate the players,,,am ready anytyme….organise a meeting man
it’s good for us we are there with you and we shall give all the backing u, this is how Peter Dawo,Abbass Hamisi Magogo Sammy Onyango name them started and never disappointed us.keep it up boys.
The partnering of Dan & Rama or Itubu & Lavatsa and many many others is working pretty well and we are currently playing beautiful and entertaining football and all the departments seem to be gelling up and growing stronger from one match to another. I suggest we need to start thinking of incentives so that we can retain/maintain current squad we have to help us play other competitive matches 9outside KPL/FKL, etc). BUT note that these incentives MUST be realistic and sustainable so that we don’t promise heaven yet we can’t even afford Buruburu to start with.
for the weekend game match for sure the man of the match was teddy and i think what he deserved was given to him.and by hte way bloggers should always encourage the others who supply ball to this two outstanding players coz without them then the two cannot be noticed.Kudos to the Gor mahia team as a whole for the display and good performance.Keep it up
@ 3 thanks for your input but Unfortunately i’m based in Kisumu and due to the nature of my work it might become very difficult co-ordinating this but i’m more than willing to participate in this noble idea as a member
Just musing- Wait a minute guys- how well has the players released by GM performed for their respective clubs? We must applaud coach Logarusic for moving the ‘deadwoods’. We all can see that the only significant addition made by the coach is to bring Dann Sserunkuma, Nicholas Auma and Pablo Njuguna. The rest has fallen in place becz the the coach has worked on the players’ mindset hence the ‘chemistry’. Jst look at how phenomenon the performances of Pablo, Teddy and David Owino has become. I am excited bcz we have equally capable players on the bench. When you have Kevo14 and Kevo2, Lavatsa and M. Otieno, Yusuf Juma, MM5, SN19, Itubu Imbem and WK 23 to call on frm the bench. Bring it on baby: this team is well balanced and will hold on its own against any opponent.
Something that I have also noted and wish to give credit to the coach and the entire technical team, the level of fitness of these boys is amazing, too good to compare. Imagine the first matches we played early last season, they could hadly move after 30mins. I felt very encouraged with GMs speed of play for the last 4 matches this season. KUDOS Logarisic for a job well done
I join other bloggers in commending the technical bench for a job well done. May I also commend the EC for the sober way with which they have handled this top 8 circus about whether or not Efusi will show up. EC you have demonstrated maturity. In fact you have shown the world that we consider Efusi as any other team and we really have no bone to chew with them.
The current Gor Mahia squad is under reconstruction. We are actually in the mend and responding quite well. Our desire to play against Efusi is not for purposes of settling any scores or claiming bragging rights. I see it rather as an important match that will help gauge our strength in terms of an opponent with a big name, credible opposition and very passionate and partisan opposing fans.
We believe that if our team can surmount those odds then it shall indicate another milestone achieved. So Efusi Chairman Ole Magelo allow your boys to come out and help us gauge the progress we have made. If you beat us then we know where to improve and if we beat you then we know where to do even better. K’Ogalo is simply still rebuilding.
Magelo should remove politic from this game let the boys play and see who will carry the day may the best team win.
Team this issue of motivating players has been outstanding for relatively long period,i reside in nakuru and would not mind being part of it,i therefore suggest we nominate 3 people to run the show,we get a certificate of registered entity open a bank account and with the account we apply for a paybill number for those who want to contribute through Mpesa and swift code/bank code for diaspora team or those who want to remit through bank remmitances.The said account statements should be availed to another team who will audit the same and report to the members.Any other suggestions on how to motivate the team/entity to be used to drive this noble idea of motivating our players?
SSERUNKUMA AND SALIM ONLY COG OF A WHEEL
Whilst i cannot deny the valuable contributions the two strikers brought to the club ( i am sorry i don’t have the numbers of goals they have together), it is only fair to mention a few other persons who the resurgence of Gor Mahia in the mid end of first leg of this season.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Our able team, led by the seemingly indefatigable chairman, Ambrose Rachier must be appauled for the wonderful job they are doing for the club. To enumerate the Agee successes of the EC;
1. Tuzo sponsorship deal ( to the tune of 38 million)
The highest in the history of club football in Kenya .
2. Bus : The committee spearheaded the part. This bus has ensured mobility of our officials
Officials and players is smooth and uninterrupted. It has also saved the club hindered
Thousand of money on transport.
3. Secretariat: the secretariat of the club is up and running manned by full time employees.
In the beginning of this season, during one official club function at city stadium, I met a
One, Peter Odera, an employee at the secretariat. I also carried with me a souvenior, a
Mug worth ksh 500. It one of the highly prized possesion I have in my house.
4. Website. The website, gormahiafc. co. ke, is now live with updates, table stndings as well
As well as connetion to other socials site such as Tweeter, Facebook and RSS feeds. The
Design and layout is good ( except I don’t know which ISP power it)
THE GREEN ARMY
I have no exact words to describe what contribution the loyal supporters of this great club brought. I have always pointed out on this blog tat the main source of revenue for this club is gate collections. Since 2010 KPL season to now, the fanbase of this great club continue to expand which in turn grew the revenues of this club tenfold.( I am sorry I don’t have stastistics). The number of registered branches is nearing 130 ( except bloggers branch which has failed to take off). The number of travelling fans is also expanding although this can be hampered by security threats like the one witnessed in Luanda and Nakuru. I am proud to be part of this passionate supporters.
4. SUPERSPORT
SuperSport, the south African pay TV channel has invested close to a billion shillings to broadcast the Kenya Premier League. The station is watched by millions of people across Africa. This is a great opportunity for the Kenyan players to Market themselves through this medium. I am sad K’Ogalo have had an on and off relationship with the station due to club hooliganism. We continue to urge our fans to remain responsible and instead give the station the assistance and co-operation they deserve.
It starts with us blogers mr.Mwakio n Jb can u stand up n b counted 4r anoble idea.kindly jst look 4r 100pple which is now 98 coz me n my wife w’r rdy 2part with 1000/= each per month 4r astart then open bank a/c as one hv said above. Yes we can on semeji game ihv reliable information this guys r n camp what r they camping 4 u know lets meet there.
I have heard your concerns….currently we have a group called GOR MAHIA FANS FOUNDATION i urge all to have a look at what they are doing….this group is a fans initiative and anyone can join only that there is membership fees…this is the group that will start harmonizing the player awards and goodwill.
Guys a polite reminder; AFC ate preparing for a mother of all wars “DERBY” and it is like we are going to be surprised by the announcement coming from the “UDF” chatter-box namely the BULL FIGHTER;. Grapevine info I have is that they have been promised “HEAVEN” by the forces of impunity and status quo to use all means at their disposal and shut up the big mouthed K’Ogalo fans who have the false believe of winning the game.
Barefoot Bandit you are a “GIRAFFE” who can see far. Can you pray on this blog and curse the devilish spirit that EFUSI are deploying to cause confusion and be-little the derby at the expense of 2013 political competition. MA-FANS it is LOG Vs KOOPS.And also remember guys that this maverick coach in LOGARITHM style and swagger is truly K’Ogalo – maniac.
Am ready to contribute 3,000ksh per month on behalf of myself,my wife and daughter
By the way has the derby been confirmed? As for preparations I know we are fully ready for this match so there should be no panic even if Efusi did whichever kind of preparations and fail to sleep all days and nights prior to this Sunday match.
Gentlemen, i am able ready and willing to participate in this noble initiative of motivating the players. Can we hear more about GM Fans Foundation and how we can become members. For Kogalo we are like bees, we pull together and don’t depend on one man’s benevolence like efusi.That is why we are GorMahia.
Allow my belated comment on the Top 8/AFC saga
The following are the soccer competitions in order of importance.
1.Kenyan Premier League-Winner qualifies for continental soccer,CECAFA club tourney.
2.FKL Cup-Winner qualifies for continental soccer and possibly CECAFA tourney.
3.Top 8-A distant third-Winner gets 1M yet the costs of participating are more expensive for the teams not only in monetary terms but also in terms of potential injuries. T
AFC r therefore being very strategic(rightly so) in their desperate efforts to win the league coz:
1.An loss to the red hot K’galo now will demoralize them to lose the nxt 3/4 games hence the league.Remember wat happened after they lost to Tusker.
2.FKF and Nyamweya will NOT discipline AFC.FKF has previously postponed their games to give them time to sort out the INTERNAL/ELECTION WRANGLES read wen their form dipped.
3.FKF and KPL has misplaced priorities(nay r motivated by money) for how to you postpone league matches for a match in a lesser competition.
AFC r being helped to win the 2012 KPL in the boardroom.Thats the reality and they r going to play their part to ensure that happens.
Nevertheless the Magical Gor Mahia might just have other plans.
P.S
Lets be objective, chances of Nyamweya/FKF disciplining the Big Two are as high as the 2 principals being taken to the Hague.
The only difference abt the assistance to AFC is that its designed to directly help AFC win the 2012 KPL.
What a dull week its turning out to be.I think that once AFC did not turn up for the pre-match brief KPL shld have immediately given GMFC a walk-over.
They wait until the last minute hoping AFC turn.How do u buy tickets with this uncertainity/suspense.
Thank you @Ogango Trailer.
Gracious and almighty God we acknowledge you as our God and as the supreme God of the Mighty Gor Mahia. We confess our unrighteousness before you. We confess smoking bhang in the upper terraces of the VIP stand at Tok Komwanda. We as K’Ogalo family sincerely thank you for our many forgiven sins.
God of the heavens you have never grown weary of our misdeeds. We are ashamed of ourselves even us we humble ourselves before your throne of grace.
We seek your presence to come before us as we head for this epic derby with our in-laws. God of the Mighty Gor we petition you for victory even as we come against the forces of impunity, the spirits of deceit, ‘research’, pride, dishonesty and ethnic hatred that is taking the better of our in-laws.
Father we bind the spirit of bhang smoking as well as the use of other intoxicants which are repulsive in your face.
We come against Efusi’s treachery and blackmail in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
We rebuke the “devilish spirit that EFUSI are deploying to cause confusion and be-little the derby at the expense of 2013 political competition” (Ogango Trailer, 2012).
We take encouragement from the words of your servant David in Psalm 37: 25 and we are assured that you will deliver our opponents in our hands as we continue rebuilding K’Ogalo. We believe in you oh God just like your servant David and we proclaim his words of faith as recorded in 1 Samuel 17: 45-46.
God we know you can do it. Give us victory and let peace reign in our land. From Got Ramogi through Kawango , Got Kwer and all the way to Kanyamwa.
Thank you God of Israel, the God of K’Ogalo. We thank you and exalt your name always. All these we pray trusting and believing in the name of Jesus Christ…..AMEN.
Team Gor Mahia I urge you to continue preparing. Claim the scriptures in 2 Chronicles 20: 15-17. Our God will inspire the Log and Sir Bobby to deliver victory just as in the days of Elisha in 2 Kings 7: 6-16.
1. B’B but i join you in this prayer.Our Mighty father, the God of hosts has surely heard us.
2. Pareiyo Ole Lelerue, i also join you in the extended salute to the wider contributors to GM success.
3. Oduori12, thanks you have spoken for so many people..the most embarrassing episode of this treacherous commitment was the bizarre penalty awarded to efusi against city stars.
4. I have very little to contribute today and have just urged my two siblings to accompany me to Kasarani on Sunday.
5. At the end we will still have to face the ethnic animosity our Shemejis are bent on..i actually have a neighbour who will never see anything positive about GM AND TO HIM IT IS WAR!
5. Fellow bloggers i take this opportunity to to remind you good people that we’ll need alot of policing to and from the stadium..its the only way we can avoid destruction of property, loss of life and putting the name of our beloved team to disrepute.
Lastly, i still commend Loga for completely proving me wrong! Lets all support the team unconditionally, we are in a position to lift the title actually.
SEE YOU ALL COME 29.07.2012
For fellow bloggers, I feel the emotional prayers that Kassam and Barefoot has set for our beloved team Kogalo. I talked to my grandmother yesterday and I couldn’t believe she follows the teams results back in her village home. She told me that this the GM she knew long ago. People would walk long distances to support Kogalo play. Men, women and children, her words of wisdom is that them days hooligans were managed by fans for peade
It’s unfortunate that the derby might not take palce courtesy of FKF and AFC. If the game cannot be played this weekend then is it still worth? All over a sudden there is now the issue of security despite security being assured. So what happens since we are scheduled to meet in the league match and even in the FKF cup. What’s this thing of kubembeleza watu? KPL should bite the bullet and make a decision and for their info the atmosphere is already ‘poisoned’ for neutral fans, who make the majority to attend. The thousand dollar question is ‘Must AFC play the Top 8? Last year they were not there and the cup was worn by another team. So what now ….?