Kudos Gor Mahia, take on the continent proper

The STANDARD ON SUNDAY

Congratulations are in order for Gor Mahia after being crowned the 2013 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions. The team has won the league with three matches to go after collecting 56 points, ending an 18-year wait.

Right from the time the season began, K’Ogalo showed they had what it takes to be crowned champions and their fans are justified to hit the streets in celebrations.

However, amid the celebration, fans and managers of the club must remember that the real work starts almost immediately and the team must prepare well for continental duty next year.

Gor still remains the only Kenyan team to have won a continental trophy with victory in the 1987 Mandela Cup, but since then they have always come shot, bowing out in the first round. Club managers must begin the serious work of recruiting high caliber players who can help the team put up a good showing in continental football next season.

Further, looking back at the concluded season, the KPL must seek to do well in organising a better tournament next year.

The season had too many disputes some which threatened its credibility. The handling of the abandoned match between Sony and Gor was particularly disappointing.

There seemed to be a lot of interest in the matter than is necessary after both the KPL and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) differed on how to resolve it.

There should be a clear mechanism on how to deal with such disputes. The issue of fan violence has not been dealt with adequately and may mar future matches.