Gor Mahia stars ready for Toffees

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

At least one Gor Mahia player will have a chance of playing in Europe after Tuesday’s historic SportPesa Trophy match against English Premier League side Everton FC, at Goodison Park, Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr has said.

The Briton said this to the Standard Sports after putting his charges through their paces as they underwent a one and half hour vigorous assessment test in a mild weather at the Toffees’ Finch Farm Training Complex yesterday.

With over six agents and scouts from a number of clubs in Europe having already confirmed attendance in the 10pm (EAT) match, Kerr urged his players to grab the opportunity and impress the scouts.

“This is not cold, it’s mild. But I just want the boys to enjoy this experience. I have spoken to over 26 agents across Europe but one of them whose owner is a very good friend of mine said he wants one Kenyan player. He is a very big agent in the world; he wants one Kenyan player, it doesn’t matter who he is,” said Kerr.

“I know six agents will be here on Tuesday, so let them go onto the pitch and prove themselves. But my friend wants at least one Kenyan player.

“It is important we get this one player here on Tuesday and then the doors will open for the rest of the players. And that one player will be known on the match day. So, I’ve told the boys to go onto the pitch and prove themselves.

“Liverpool Chief scout Barry Hunter has just confirmed right now that he will grace the match on Tuesday,” said Kerr.

With all the players eager to be part of the first East African team to play an English opposition on their home soil, Kerr admitted he is facing a selection headache for the fixture.

“The motivation is that this is a chance for them to showcase their talent to the world. I think it will be a tough game. The expectations from Kenyans back home are high and amazing on social media. But I have got faith in them because it is all about making their dreams come true. We already have Wanyama (Victor) at Tottenham, but we now need one more player here.”

Eliud Lokuwam, a Kenyatta University third year Economic and Finance student, couldn’t hide his joy after having a feel of Everton’s training facility at Finch Farm Complex.

“This is one of the greatest moments in my life. The facility here is a motivation by itself and we are all geared towards the match. We cannot wait to play Everton. We have a chance to watch them play against Brighton today (Saturday) before the fixture,” said Lokuwam.