Gor Mahia has released the full list of players set for Algeria to face USM Alger in a CAF Champions League qualifier first leg match. The Kenya Premier League champions’ trip to the North African country was initially in doubt due to financial constraints.
However, after a mini fundraiser on Tuesday, the team can now travel to honour the match. The team will leave the country on Thursday at midnight ahead of Saturday’s match which kicks off at 7 p.m East African time.
Interestingly, only 16 players will make the trip among them Boniface Oluoch, Kenneth Muguna, and Nicholas Kipkirui. Below is the full list of names.
The club is in a tricky situation financially after the sudden withdrawal of betting firm Sportpesa who were their main sponsors. This followed a row pitting the Government and betting companies over tax evasion crimes.
However, questions are been raised by fans who point to the fact that the same issues were present last season despite the SportPesa sponsorship being active at the time. The club had to be bailed out by the government on multiple occasions after failing to raise funds to honor their away legs in the CAF Confederations Cup.
The club Chairman Ambrose Rachier confirmed that the players are yet to receive their salaries and bonuses for the month of August.
K’Ogallo advanced after a 5-1 aggregate score against Burundi’s Aigle Noir. The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw in Burundi before Steven Pollack’s side put their East Africa neighbors to the sword at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.