Millions at stake in weekend CAF fixtures
Millions are at stake this weekend for Kenya’s representatives in the CAF Inter Clubs Competitions against Sahel opponents.
Gor Mahia and Bandari stand to make Sh81 million collectively if they clear the daunting huddles and reach the group stages of CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
The task is herculean for K’Ogalo as they must overturn a three goal deficit when they host Algerian Champions USM Alger at Kasarani on Sunday while Bandari’s task in Tunis, Tunisia is to securely guard a 2-0 score line recorded at home and bundle out US Ben Guerdane from the Confederation Cup.
Gor suffer squad incapacitation with just sixteen players available for selection due to injuries and delayed registration of a number of players who could have been useful. The club is equally teetering on the brink of financial meltdown since the withdrawal of SportPesa as their shirt sponsor.
The players are yet to be paid their August salaries but skipper Kenneth Muguna spoke positively about their chances.
“We are focused on-and-off the pitch despite the financial challenges the club is facing. Everyone is training and really working hard to beat our opponents because we all know what is at stake,” said Muguna who scored the consolation goal in their 4-1 loss in Blida, a fortnight ago.
Gor stand to make Sh54 million should they turn tables and dump the Algerian club out, a precedence that would mitigate their biting financial situation.
Coach Steven Polack said the players looked strong physically and mentally ahead of the tie.
“I have reviewed the game and we’ll do it again with the players so that we see areas to improve on ahead of the game. Nonetheless, I like what I see in these players. They look prepared mentally and physically and I can promise they will give 120 per cent during the game regardless of what happens,” said the Briton
