Gor face Rwanda’s APR at Nyayo Stadium

By Robin Toskin

Gor Mahia return to continental action after ten years when Egyptian giants Zamalek handed them a 4-1 thrashing in the defunct CAF Cup.

Since then, it has been downward spiral but with today’s date at Nyayo Stadium against Rwanda’s APR in the Confederations Cup, K’Ogalo go into battle hoping to turn a new page.

And the man leading the renaissance in this first leg encounter is their former goalkeeper now coach, James Siang’a.

The long suffering fans hope the astute elder will wave a magic wand today when they come up against Dutchman Rene Fehler’s side.

Both tacticians believe "playing the game in a proper way".

Gor showed just that in ripping apart Mathare United 3-0 in the Kenyan Premier League season opener, the Super Cup, and followed it up with an impressive 2-0 win over Zimbabwe’s CAPS United in a friendly.

However, Fehler whose simple philosophy, "we eat your food first then I eat mine alone," transformed Eritrean football when he coached the country in 2007, will put Siang’a’s wits to test.

While Siang’a hopes to draw from his side’s youthful exuberance and a desire to stand up and be noticed, Fehler’s armada is full of experience.

APR will parade a fusion of Kenyan, Rwandese, Burundian and Congolese blood against a club that draws its name and spirit from the legend of Gor Mahia.

DR Congo-born Rwandese, Labama Bokota, will lead men from his motherland, Fuadi Ndayisenga, Twite Kabange and Twite Mbuyu in their stab at the Confederations Cup.

Harambee Stars striker, Moses Odhiambo, hopes to do his compatriots in should Fehler opt for his trickery. On show for Gor Mahia will be upcoming youngsters Elisha "Achach" Ochieno in midfield, John Ringo, Charles Otundo and Christopher Wekesa.

The winner over the two legs will be rewarded with a clash against Haras el Hodoud of Egypt.