Gor Mahia to face CNAPS of Madagascar in Champions League

Gor Mahia players celebrating in a past KPL match in Kisumu. PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA/STANDARD

Nairobi, Kenya: Gor Mahia have been drawn against CNAPS of Magascar in the preliminary stage of the champions league with Sofapaka taking on FC Platinum of Zimbabwe in the Confederations Cup.

The preliminary matches will be played between February 13 and 27.

Last year, Gor Mahia edged out US Bitam of Gabon in the preliminaries but went down 8-2 to Esperance of Tunisia to bow out in the first leg.

Gor Mahia will also be grappling with the need to raise enough money to take part in the competition besides the biggest issue of losing key players. After the loss of their shirt sponsors, the club has been struggling to meet their financial obligations with players going for two months sometimes without pay.

At Sofapaka, coach Sam Timbe was cautious about his team's chances at the continental level insisting that all will depend on the squad he has.

Timbe who is on holiday in Uganda said: "I still do not know which player I have and who is going. Without that information it is difficult to talk about our chances but we intend to prepare well."

Sofapaka chairman Elly Kalekwa on his part has urged the government to help the team honor their matches.

Kalekwa admitted that without government support it will be difficult for them to compete effectively.

"This is a national assignment. We need air-tickets to travel and are asking the government to intervene. This is an expensive tournament and need financial help. We are doing our best to source for sponsorship but it may not be enough," he said.