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Upbeat Gor seek to end 30 years Cecafa drought


Gor Mahia jetted out of the country Thursday for this year’s Cecafa Kagame Cup in Dar es Salaam.

K’Ogalo begin their regional title campaign against home favourites Yanga FC in the opening match on Saturday.

Before they left, the team members held a ritualistic meeting with a section of their passionate fans who sent them off with new sets of training kits, a ‘trophy’ and, of course, goodwill prayers.

It was also a good day for the team’s full back, Karim Nzigiyimana, who was given a 45-inch television, a trophy and a cash prize of Sh50, 000 for winning the SportPesa/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya Player of the Month for June.

PROVE WORTH

As they boarded their 2.45 pm flight, the players were united in the belief that, unlike last season, they would go all the way and possibly clinch the title after 30 years of failed dreams. They last won it in 1985.

A confident team captain Musa Mohammed promised journalists that they were out to prove they are a solid team that can provide stiff challenge to regional opposition.

“We are determined to reach the final. Much has been said out there that our local success is as a result of referees’ help. That’s nonsense! We shall prove our worth and shame our critics,” he said.

Assistant coach Frank Ouna was however modest in his expectations, admitting that the team will have to fend off stiff competition in order to make it to the knock-out stages.

HOME ADVANTAGE

“All teams are there as champions in their own countries and so it will not be easy. In our first game, for example, we shall come up against the hosts, who will have overwhelming support and home advantage.

“We shall however have to give our best and hope to post good results in the competitions,” Ouna said.

The K’Ogalo contingent of 23 players and 10 members of the technical bench touched down at the Nyerere International Airport at 5pm.

Gor are pooled alongside Al Khartoum, KMKM (Uganda), Yanga and Djibouti Telecom, and they will open their account on Saturday afternoon against hosts Yanga.