Harambee Stars coach not worried about absence of key players

Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay in past action. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay says he is not worried about the absence of five key players ahead of the team’s Confederations Cup match against Moroccan side Berkane.

Speaking after he was named coach of the month for February, Oktay said he has bigger ambitions in the tournament.

“As I have always said, no player is bigger in Gor Mahia and those who are available will do the job. Making it to the quarter-finals was no big deal. We have bigger ambitions than that,” he said.

Gor Mahia captain Haroun Shakava, Shafique Batambuze, Ernest Wendo, Boniface Omondi and striker Jacques Tuyisenge are all suspended for the match.

Oktay was named best coach for February despite his side having had two tough CAF Confederations Cup matches in February.

He guided the reigning champions to scoop four wins and a draw from the five SportPesa Premier League matches and conceded just a goal.

Gor beat Vihiga United away 1-0 before silencing rivals AFC Leopards 2-0 at Kasarani Stadium.