Gor urges fan support as they brace for tough battle against Mozambicans

By Robin Toskin

Gor Mahia legend and interim coach John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla has called on everyone involved with Mighty K’Ogalo to rise up and defend the club’s emblem.

The 1987 Mandela Cup winners play Mozambique’s Ferroviario de Maputo on Saturday at Nyayo Stadium in a CAF Confederation Cup needing to overturn a 3-0 deficit to advance to the next round.

But with the Monday sacking of the Gor technical bench, bookmakers have given the Kenyans a slim chance of beating the sleek Mozambicans.

Yet Ogolla insists: "The spirit of Gor Mahia is indomitable. We have been in such difficult situations in the past. A time you could think it is the end of K’Ogalo, but the club comes out stronger."

"Yes, it looks difficult but in football anything is possible. You need to believe. If there is a miracle then it is the eleven players on the pitch to deliver. At 3-0 down you need to ease the pressure on you by enjoying the game. Goals will come. What is important is for the chosen players to be calm," Ogolla told FeverPitch.

Falling out

The former defence stalwart recounted how in 1982 they were beaten 3-2 at home by Madagascan side Dinamo Fima triggering a falling out that many feared would break up the club.

"The team was disbanded and we could not travel to Madagascar for the return leg. We had been booked at Grosvenor Hotel near DoD as we prepared for the return leg, but for some reason some officials decided to book as in a school!"

"Players revolted and the team disbanded thereafter, but Gor rebounded to win Africa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1987. So, whatever you see now will come to pass.

"The boys just need to believe in themselves and although it is important to win, the key thing is to see how we move forward as a club into a bright future," Ogolla said.

Eyes will be on Ogolla and team manager Tom Ogweno, the former Harambee Stars and Ulinzi winger in their attempt to negotiate, hopefully, past Ferroviario.

In a post match interview after their win over Gor in Maputo, Ferroviario coach Chiquino Conde expressed shock at K’Ogalo’s timid display in Maputo.

"They seemed scared. They did not come out to attack, but you could see they can be a good side," the Swahili speaking former Mozambique international told Supersport.

Gor Mahia faces a mountain to climb especially with the suspension of midfielder Collins Okoth.

However, with the return to full training of strikers George Midenyo, Edwin Lavatsa and Demonde Selenga there is a silver lining.