Gor Mahia to benefit from high profile friendlies
Last year, Gor Mahia’s preparations for the CAF champions league consisted of a friendly match against Supa Loaf whom they beat 5-0. They were due to play US Bitam on February 8 while the league did not start until February 15. As a result Gor Mahia had not had enough time to build any cohesion. This was exacerbated by the fact that Gor Mahia signed 12 new players. Meanwhile their opponents including Esperance were in the middle of their season.
Gor Mahia appear to have learned from last season. Chairman Ambrose Rachier says the team will line up a number of quality friendlies to prepare for continental duty.
“We have lined up a number of friendly matches before our season kicks off in early February 2015. We shall play various teams both here (Kenya) and those outside the country.
Wednesday, save for this coming one, and Saturdays have been set aside as the days picked local sides will faceoff with the champions at a chosen venue.” said Rachier according to futaa.com
Gor Mahia are said to be negotiating with teams from Uganda and Tanzania.
First Friendly
The first pre-season build up match will be against KCB at City stadium. The match will kick off on Wednesday at 4pm. Fans will have an opportunity to see the new signings in action. While coach Frank Nuttall gets an early opportunity to try out new combinations.
Ssentongo ready for challenge
Newly signed midfielder Farouk Ssentongo is elated at the prospect of playing for Gor Mahia and is
“I came here for a challenge and will not disappoint Gor Mahia fraternity. As a footballer, each player wants to make an impact. I knew I will get a bigger challenge as a player because this is a club preparing for continental duty and I want to be of help to the team in the Champions League.”
“I have played in a competitive and lean league in the United Arab Emirates and I know I will fit in well in the Kenyan league. I will give my best and replicate what my countryman Geoffrey Kizito did for this glamour club,” he said.
Abondo happy to be back home
Ali Abondo who has rejoined the club after having left for Tusker in 2013 is happy to be back playing in fromt of Kogalo fans.
“Even when I left Gor Mahia to sign for Tusker, my heart and soul was still with K’Ogalo. I enjoyed playing for Gor because of their support. The fans make you put extra effort and I trust I will give them something to cheer about. We will also have our home fans supporting us there and I believe that will give us motivation. We will be prepared for the match because we need to qualify for the next stage,” he said.”
Abondo said he has been a Gor Mahia supporter since his childhood days. His primary goal is to improve on recent performances in continental events.
“We have the ability to do it but we need to go step by step, focusing on each game. If we can get to the group stages of the qualifications, it will be very good for us.”
Abondo was in the starting line-up when Gor Mahia went down to Ferroviario of Mozambique in 2011.
Kazi ime anza. Take all the friendlies very seriously. If I may ask does the EC has plans so that we can pay to watch these friendlies? I think this is an opportunity for us to start adding value to our team. Just make it friendly at the gate.
@ Jaupanda Friendlies will be charged Ksh100 starting with KCB tomorrow Wed 14th Jan 2015 @ CITY STADIUM
Sam Muga,good idea.We will support this mighty club.I only dread seeing the thankless vultures at the gate allowing ill-intentioned fans to gain access upon parting with ‘kitu kidogo’
@ Sam Muga, is there a way this culture of kitu kidogo at the gates can be killed. It hurts and demoralizes. In fact it is an eyesore.Though I suggest that continuous education is the key. In the meantime let all with the good intentions flock to the gates to pay for these games. Count me in.
I hope the matches will be played moderately early/late to attract more fans.
@ Jemo Jasidindi and Jaupanda, the main problem is the (FAKE) fans. They bribe themselves in to watch game, where in most cases they are ones who cause trouble during the match.
No 2. Are the stewards who do nothing than to collect (kitu kidogo) and create confusion at the gate.
No 3. Some officials who have no good intention for Gor Mahia.
the cure lies with us. we should name and shame any fan found entering the stadium after parting with kitu kidogo or those that force their way into the stadium. alternatively:
1. Hire and train deaf and dumb gate keepers who will understand only one language- TICKET. THIS HAS WORKED IN NIGERIA AND I BELIEVE IT CAN WORK HERE IN KENYA.
2. Let everyone entering the stadium pay the correct gate charges beginning with the the Chairman and the rest of the Executive Committee Members. This is setting good example.
3. On Match-Day, only accredited journalists,St.John Ambulance or any ER (EMERGENCY RESPONSE)provider, match-day officials and people with physical disabilities should be given discounted gate charges or can be allowed free entry. The rest of the non working journalists, referees, Club Scouts or players from other teams should pay their way into the stadiums. If this non-free entry into the stadium policy is implemented wholeheartedly, Gor Mahia may just realize their dream of being self sufficient.
The two ways is stopping kickbacks at entry gate are-:
1. Use commercial banks such as KCB, Equity, Family Bank or any other bank to be the collection agents with deposit receipts to be used as entry tickets through all entry points. Fans have to deposit the entry amounts in any of the banks branches.
2. Use of security tickets that must pass through a dector gardget to validate the entry processes. For example the ticket used during KPLC charity match.
3. Removes all youths from the entry points as they are being comprised by our fans at the entry points.
4. Introduce seasonal tickets concept with security dective gardhet.
The two ways is stopping kickbacks at entry gate are-:
1. Use commercial banks such as KCB, Equity, Family Bank or any other bank to be the collection agents with deposit receipts to be used as entry tickets through all entry points. Fans have to deposit the entry amounts in any of the banks branches.
2. Use of security tickets that must pass through a dector gardget to validate the entry processes. For example the ticket used during KPLC charity match.
3. Removes all youths from the entry points as they are being comprised by our fans at the entry points.
4. Introducee seasonal tickets concept with security dective gardhet.
I think what Mwakio has said is the best way to tame those who r fond of getting axcess to the stadium free. The problem is that some EC members r part of the syndicate
of fake tickets. They will not allow that Idea bcos they will not benefit.Chris omondi the secretary general did brougt that Idea when he brougt DTB but it was not supported . So if EC can do things in a profesional manner then Gor can be stable finnancialy.
Is there a way of knowing that EC is taking these suggestions? Because I think that the ideas given above are excellent. This is working for the landlords, drivers licence and other monies remitted through the bank. This is one way to ensure accountability.Can they please try? In-case there is a problem with it, may be someone should let us know so that other alternatives can be fronted. This is good for the investor confidence that also includes Fans as stake holders.A healthy finances built in this way, will be good for us. We do not want to find ourselves in a situation that our shemejis are today. Gor has the fan base that just needs direction.
Good idea’s from u people.but they will all fall to adead ear.the EC will not buy nor support it,bcoz it’s most them who are behind fake tickets,choosing stewards [their agents] & peptatred all kind of corruption in this club.is we fans or menbers to save our beloved club.but how?