Robertinho wants to install free flowing attacking style
Gor Mahia’s new coach Oliveira Goncalves tells goal.com that his plan is to introduce a free flowing attacking style similar to the one deployed by North African teams
Additional reporting from goal.com
“I like an attacking kind of football. Look at Raja Casablanca and Esperance they never play behind. Why? What is the secret in football?” the Brazilian quipped in a team talk during a training session.
“That is my style of football and I give support to everyone, to create, dribble, and express their talent. The talent is there that is why you signed for Gor Mahia, a big club.”
The coach, who has over 25 years of experience as a tactician, stated what he expects from his charges as they aim to defend the league title for a record fifth time.
“During the week I want to follow a specific training programme and if you need any help, I am here for you,” he insisted.
“Do not forget that on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I work for you but on Saturday or Sunday, please work for the club.
“As a coach, I respect every single player because that is what I expect too from them. If I respect you, respect me.
“Why am I respecting you even before I came to see you, it is because I played football a long time ago. I understand your life, everything, what you need and what you want.”
Gor Mahia will open the new season against one of their big rivals, Tusker FC, on November 20.
Kipkurui not worried about Intense competition for places
Gor Mahia striker Nicholas Kipkirui tells goal.com that the arrival of several new players is good for the team
Additional reporting from goal.com
“The more players we have in one department the better for the team,” Kipkirui told Goal.
“So, I am not worried about their arrivals; it is a challenge for me to give my best and be considered in the first team.”
K’Ogalo will start the 2020/21 campaign against Tusker FC, a team they defeated 5-2 in the reverse fixture during the abandoned 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season.
The 11-time champions have not been as active as Gor Mahia in the league and many believe they will fall in their opening game. But Kipkirui thinks otherwise.
“Every game is tough regardless of the opponent you are playing against,” Kipkirui added.
“There is no easy team in the league and we are not going to underrate [Tusker] when we play them. As usual, every match is important to us and we will be aiming at collecting maximum points on the pitch. We usually prepare ourselves well before playing any game.
“Injuries have been a problem at times, but it is my hope that things will be different this time around. I pray that we will not have any, or maybe if they happen, then very minimal.”
So what should Gor Mahia fans expect?
“We promise to make them happy in every match we play; we just want to win,” Kipkurui stated.
“As usual, we urge the fans to turn up in large numbers and give us the support we need, and we will surely not disappoint.”
Gor Mahia will also represent Kenya in the Caf Champions League after they were crowned by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in the abandoned season.
