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Don’t expect miracles

Friday, January 8th, 2021 00:00 | By
Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna reacts after the team lost to CRB Belouizdad of Algeria during a CAF Champions League match at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday. Photo/PD/DAVID NDOLO

Maltreatment of players by the management through false promises to settle wages running into several months has been described as the bane of Gor Mahia’s unceremonious exit in the Africa Champions League.

Gor were bundled out of the competition 8-1 on aggregate by unfashionable CRB Belouizdad of Algeria on Wednesday and a senior player who sought anonymity for fear of victimization said things could get worse for the multiple Kenyan champions if no solution is found in the team that is struggling financially.

‘’Kenyans should not be surprised by the debacle since the players are demotivated having gone for several months without pay.

We have families to feed and you can imagine going for up to five months without pay.

“Unfortunately, to date, we have had nothing including our bonuses and allowances from last season and there is seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

He further stated that Kenyan football fans should not expect an improved show in the CAF Cup knock-out stage, in which the team has been relegated, if the players’ plight will not be addressed soon.

“Look, we have the league title to defend and we cannot meet our financial obligations and unless the management is steadfast in ensuring we are happy, things will continue heading south. Period,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone

The player made the revelation even as other sources within the team intimated that a big number of those who had their contracts extended are regretting the move and would have rather have the same prematurely ended to look for alternative source of livelihood.

“Things here are tough and we are used to being taken in circles by the management over our dues.

Its no longer a prestige to play for Gor since what matters most for the players is salary to put food on their tables. It’s unfortunate we lost but it’s not our fault.

There was an elect of indifference by players and what irks them most is being told to exercise a little bit of patience and nothing happens after that.

We are really sorry to our very supportive fans for the result and they should understand the situation,” the player said.

The disastrous results that saw Gor lose 2-1 to the Algerians only a week after being humiliated 6-0 in Algiers, should not come as a surprise as not once or twice prior to continental championships have players boycotted training at Camp Toyoyo ground.

And perhaps to add salt to injury, Gor have accrued debt for using the grounds located in Jericho Lumumba Estate in Nairobi and its is not clear as to when they will off-set the same.

The problems afflicting Gor came only few months after the club Chairman Ambrose Rachier said the hands of the management are tied after the main sponsor Betsafe said that they shall only release funds after the team takes part in the belated Belated Betking Premier League.

Last year, Gor and their arch rivals AFC Leopards will unveil a joint sponsorship with Betsafe wi as a new gaming firm comes on board to help the financially limping giants.

The two landed a joint sponsorship with the gaming firm and while Gor are entitled to Sh 55 Million per season, Leopards is to receive Sh 40 Million out of the package.

Gor and Leopards, who enjoy the largest fan base in the country,  initially enjoyed a joint sponsor by SportPesa before the betting firm quit the Kenyan market in 2019 following a protracted battle with the government on matters taxation.

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