James Siang’a recruits on verge of winning trophy

Former Gor Mahia coach James Siang’a (right). [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO / STANDARD]

BY GILBERT WANDERA

Unknown to many Gor Mahia faithful, former international James Siang’a laid the foundation for the current squad that is on the verge of winning their first Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title in 18 years.

Looking back, Siang’a, who was not given a chance by fans, says his dream for the team to win a league tite within five years is coming true.

“When I took over in 2009, I told the office to give me four to five years to win the league.

“At the time, we had just recruited young boys from school and they needed time to mature. We had to avoid the hurry of wanting to succeed too quickly,” Siang’a explained a day before Gor play Sofapaka in a match whose victory will give them the title. Siang’a says his decision to go for younger players was because at the time Gor could not afford established players.

“They did not have money to buy top players and so we opted for those from school, but they needed time to mature. The officials were very supportive of this idea because they understood my vision. However, the fans were not as patient and they wanted instant results.

“Having been one of the founder members of the club, I was not shocked by this attitude by fans. I had experienced it before and that is why I signed a one-year contract,” he explained.

Siang’a said his plan worked almost immediately, when the club won the 2009 Mandela Cup and returned to continental football after 16 years of unsuccessful attempts.

The club, however, lost 6-0 to APR of Rwanda in the first round of the Confederations Cup.

In 2010, the club finished runners-up behind Ulinzi Stars in the KPL, but slid down to fifth position the following year. Then last year, they finished runners-up again.

“They should have won it last year, but it was just bad luck. I don’t regret the fact that the fans never gave me a chance because I viewed myself as one who was to lay the foundation on which future success would be built.

“I feel proud that I did it using my experience with Simba Sports Club of Tanzania,” he said.