Gor Mahia supporters are hoping that the club’s new foreign signings will not land K’Ogalo in trouble as witnessed in the recent past.
K’Ogalo have added Rwandan attacker Patrick Sibomana and his Ugandan counterpart Rogers Mugisha to their ranks as they beef up their frontline ahead of their Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title defence.
The signings come less than a month after Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier said the club will not be going for foreign talent in the foreseeable future after getting their hands burnt in recent years.
Gor were last month kicked out of the CAF Champions League for delaying to pay dues, totaling over Ksh7 million, owed ex-players Sando Yangayay, Adama Keita, and Jules Ulimwengu, over breach of contract and also had transfer bans slapped on the club.
It is on the backdrop of this that the club supporters hope due diligence has been conducted on the latest deals to avoid trouble in the future.
“Will they pay him? We are not ready for these FIFA and CAF bans for mistakes we can avoid by working within our means,” said a concerned fan following news that Sibomana has signed.
“Added two foreigners. Let’s say they both sue the club at the end of it for Ksh2.5 million each that’s 5m. Cartel in the team takes their share say 1M from each that’s 2m. Good business in 2 years,” was another fan’s observation.
“I just hope they won’t do the same mistake they have been doing with foreign players. FIFA is watching,” shared another.
Some fans feel K’Ogalo have just invited more trouble.
“Start saving for fines. When FIFA come calling, we’ll be sorted,” shared a concerned supporter, sentiments echoed by others, who said: “Another ban looming, we just never learn.”
A section of Gor supporters are wondering what happened to the promise to steer clear of foreign players.
“He (Rachier) said that no foreign players. These ones come from Muthurwa?” posed another fan.
“I thought Gor management insinuated that they won’t be going for foreign players.”
However, a number of the club fans think the signings are just what coach Jonathan McKinstry needs to mount a successful title defence given their rivals have also strengthened with foreign players.
“Most of our direct competitors have beefed up their squads quite well so it’s only right that we do the same,” explained a delighted supporter.
“With these high-profile signings, it’s not a question of retaining the league but if Gor Mahia can do it unbeaten the third time,” enthused another.
“Signing is good, the big query is are you able to pay them their salaries?”
Gor have been busy in the market after having their transfer ban lifted this month and are keen to bolster their squad ahead of the 2023-24 season which kicks off on Saturday with K’Ogalo set to begin the new campaign with a clash against Sofapaka.
