Oktay: Before Gor, I was nobody but now, everyone wants piece of me
Former Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay is surprised at how his stock has risen since taking over the 18-time Kenyan Premier League champions.
Oktay, who quit Gor at the end of July last year to take care of his ailing parents in Turkey, says he was a nobody before the K’Ogalo job but now, everybody wants a share of him.
“I was unknown before but after coaching them, I am a big name now. I hope Kenyans understand just how big Gor Mahia is out there,” Oktay, who joined Gor in December 2018 told People Sport at the weekend.
The Turkish tactician says his coaching prowess was noticed in Africa and Europe when he took Gor to the CAF Confederations Cup quarter-finals last year, after an impressive group stage run that saw him beat Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek and Angolan giants Petro Atletico.
“Gor has opened doors for me. Right now, I have three good offers. Nkana FC of Zambia, Rayon Sport of Rwanda and a club from Botswana have all approached me. I am looking at the offers before making a decision,” added Oktay.
Asked if he would consider coming back to Gor some day, Oktay said: “I wouldn’t think twice. I love Kenya and Gor fans.
I know the club has financial challenges but I had no problem when my salary was delayed and I would not mind now.”
If he joins any of the aforementioned clubs, Oktay will follow in the footsteps of former Gor coach Frank Nuttal, who took over Zamalek after K’Ogalo and his predecessor Dylan Kerr who left Kenya for South African side Black Leopards.
