GOR BOLSTER 2016 SQUAD: K’Ogalo sign Kahata, chase ‘Cheche’ ahead of Champions League fixtures

Noah Abich of Mathare United and Godfrey Walusimbi vies for the ball past Gor Mahia's during their kpl match at City stadium on 19-10-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

SportPesa Premier League champions Gor Mahia do not have much time in their hands ahead of next year’s CAF champions league.

Already, K’Ogalo have began recruiting new players and extending contracts of their loyal players.

After agreeing terms with two of their influential players, Musa Mohammed and Godfrey Walusimbi, the club is said to be considering landing the services of former Tusker defender, David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng.

Ochieng has been club-less since he disagreed with Saudi Arabian side Al Taawon in July and he has been training with Gor Mahia since then. The club’s deputy secretary general Ronald Ngala says they are ready to sign him, should his agent give the go ahead.

“The coach has said we can sign him, but we are waiting for his agent to give us the nod,” he said.

Separately, Ngala has confirmed to the club’s website that they have signed former Thika United midfielder Francis Kahata.

Kahata returned to the country after failing to settle abroad and he has been training with Gor Mahia since his return. Kahata also played in a friendly match for the league champions on Saturday.

“We are in the process of completing the deal, but we have agreed on principle with Kahata that he joins us next season,” Ngala told the club’s official website, gormahiafc.co.ke.

Gor Mahia will start their continental campaign against Madagascar’s  CNAPS, a team they eliminated from the same competition last year.

To honour the preliminary match, the Kenyan champions, who are without a shirt sponsor, require Sh9.3million.

The money will be used to cater for flight and accommodation costs for the champions, as well as their opponents’.

While admitting it will be challenging to honour the tie without a sponsor, Ngala said they have already started raising money.

“We need this much and know it will increase in case we progress. It will be difficult to do this without a sponsor, but we need to work really hard and raise the money either way ,” he said.

Elsewhere, newly promoted side Posta Rangers have signed Gor Mahia’s youngster Timothy Otieno for a one-year loan move.

Otieno has found playing time hard to come by despite his talent and Rangers chairman John Tonui says they remain confident he can help them in the top league

“He is young and just the kind of player we need as we embark on top flight football once again. We will continue to rebuild the squad as the season progresses though,” he revealed.

After the capture of Otieno, the Rangers boss said they are eying two other signings before the end of the transfer window.

The team has also signed former Tusker defender Jockins Atudo, who was a free agent after his contract ran out this month.