Kahata seeks to dribble into Afcon fame

Harambee Stars' midfielder Francis Kahata dribbles in a friendly match against Equatorial Guinea at Kenyatta Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia midfielder Francis Kahata says club’s success at the continental level has prepared him well for the Africa Cup of Nations that kicks off tonight in Egypt.

K’Ogalo made history by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Confederations Cup in the just-concluded season.

Speaking before the team departed to Cairo, Kahata said;” You cannot compare Kenyan Premier League standards and taking part in the continental matches. Our progress in the tournament exposed us to very strong opposition.”

“For this reason, it helped me mature and mentally and now I look forward to the Africa Cup of Nations where we will have the same kind of opposition,” he said.

Kahata, whose contract with Gor Mahia runs out at the end of this month, said he is hoping for a good performance for him to attract a new club even as he admitted that Tanzanian giants Simba are seeking his signature.

“As you know, my contract runs out at the end of June and I have no formal offer from Gor Mahia despite coach Hassan Oktay pushing for one,” said Kahata.

“Simba and several other clubs have approached me but I have not made up my mind. After this tournament, I will consider what is on the table and if Gor Mahia would have made an offer, it will also be looked at alongside others.”

“I am delighted to have spent three seasons at Gor Mahia and winning the league title on all those occasions.”

With Rwandese hit-man Jacques Tuyisenge leaving the club, Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay has indicated he is not willing to let go of Kahata as well, but with no firm offer on the table, the former Thika United midfielder will soon be a free man. 

Kahata also said he is not afraid of the challenge to play in Tanzania insisting he is fully prepared for such eventuality.

“I am not bothered by the fact that some Kenyan players have struggled to fit in the Tanzanian league. I have matured and ready for such a challenge if it comes up,” said Kahata.

“I don’t want to imagine what became of other Kenyan players as that would distract me. Every player is different in their own way.”