Kiplagat Sang 13:20 GMT+3 06/01/2021 Goal looks at the stars who can help the Kenyan champions in their mission to improve, after the 6-0 defeat suffered in Algeria Goal Kenya. Kenneth Muguna
Although the captain missed the initial game due to an injury, he is set to be available for the return leg at Nyayo Stadium as they try to save face from more humiliation.
Muguna has been an inspirational figure at Gor Mahia and his leadership and motivational skills will be needed ahead of and during the decisive game where they face an uphill task at home. Goal Kenya. Gad Mathews
“I think so far we don’t have any major injuries but Tito [Okello] is not with us because since the first leg he has never trained and I understand he is down with malaria so he is one guy I will not use tomorrow [Wednesday],” Omollo told
“Then, of course, Bernard Ondiek also, long-term injury and he was not with us in Algeria so those are the main concerns we have in terms of players.”
On the return of captain Kenneth Muguna, who missed the first leg fixture owing to injury, ‘Pamzo’ said: “I like how Muguna trained because when we went to Algeria he was not there but I saw him yesterday [Monday], and today [Tuesday] he looks sharper and he looks hungry to perform on Wednesday.
“Reference is made to your letter dated January 5, 2021, informing the federation of Gor Mahia’s intention to live stream the Caf Champions League match no. 76 Gor Mahia vs CR Belouizdad, scheduled for January 6, 2021,” read the statement from FKF obtained by Goal and signed by CEO Barry Otieno.
“In this regard, and further to Caf guidelines on the broadcast of Caf competitions, the federation has regrettably been unable to obtain a clearance from Caf for the match to be broadcasted, as the request by Gor Mahia was made outside of the provided Caf timelines.
“In light of the aforementioned, please be advised that live streaming of the said match will not be possible, unless with prior written consent from Caf.”
“We don’t have any pressure, I have spoken to the boys and urged them to enjoy the game, of course, it will be very important for us if we can get a good result and of course it will be a very good platform also if we are going to drop to the Confederation Cup, it will give us that opportunity to prepare more than before, than how we prepared for the Champions League,” Omollo told the club’s TV.
“This is football, and we are going to compete, we want to give our best and I have told the players no matter the result we got in Algiers, we have to give our best and get a good result, everybody is geared to win, everybody is prepared to play and the commitment I have seen from the players is very high and I am very confident we are going to get a good result.”
“ Are we really ready to go and play? That is what I asked the players and through the [assistant] captain Otieno they affirmed readiness,” Odhiambo told
Radio Jambo. “Yes, we had the money but I would have wished that we did not honour the game and use the money, where we had to pay Ksh4 million for the flight alone, to pay the players.”
The treasurer also said that stand-in head coach Sammy Omollo should not in any way blame financial issues at the club as the main reason that led to the embarrassing defeat.
“So, that should not be the main reason why Omollo would say made us be defeated, she continued. Empty pockets on the part of the players might have contributed to poor results but not at the level the coach is trying to put it. That is my honest opinion.