Gor stars to stay: Opponent clubs preying on coach Bobby Williamson and striker Dan Sserunkuma

By GILBERT WANDERA

Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson. [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO]

Recent success by Gor Mahia in winning the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title after  an 18-year wait has no doubt placed the club on the spotlight.

The success has brought a lot of interest in Gor Mahia players and now current coach Bobby Williamson is also being targeted for departure to Tanzania with giants Yanga, the front-runners trying to price away the Scott.

First, it was Ugandan striker Dan Sserunkuma who was supposed to leave the club immediately after the 2013 season concluded but the move was somehow nipped in the bud. Sserunkuma played a pivotal role in helping Gor Mahia win the league last season, scoring crucial goals.

The Ugandan had in 2012 single handedly carried Gor to the runners-up spot in the league in a performance that earned him the best players accolade.

But it is the latest interest by Yanga that should worry Gor Mahia fans the most considering that Tanzanian clubs are known to do everything within their power to get their prey.

This is also backed up by a strong financial muscle that gives them power to outbid any opponent when it comes to splashing cash.

Though Yanga are yet to officially write to Gor Mahia requesting to open talks with Williamson, top club officials have confirmed the interest though they insist there is no interest to sell.

Not for sell

Gor Mahia Secretary General George Bwana has categorically stated that they will not sell their title-winning coach at whatever cost.

“I received a call from Tanzania the other day inquiring about Williamson. I told the caller to put in a formal request, which they have not done yet. However, I want to start categorically, we have no intention to let him go.

“He helped us win the league after an 18 year wait and therefore we intend to keep him with us as long as possible,” he said.

Bwana further added that he is not surprised by the interest in Williamson or even  some of their players pointing out that it comes with the success the club is enjoying at the moment.

“I’m not surprised at all by all this interest. I have seen it before and understand that it comes with the success we have had in the league,” he pointed out.

Contacted, Williamson insisted he has no plans to leave Gor Mahia anytime soon.

“There have been some people calling about my availability but at the moment I’m engaged with Gor Mahia and don’t intend to leave them anytime soon. We have things to do here that needs to be completed,” said the Scott.

Williamson joined Gor Mahia in mid-season replacing Zradvko Logarusic who was fired after a stand-off with club officials.

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