Reality of Confederations Cup begins to sink for Gor: Kenyan champions could play home matches away from home

Gor Mahia's Wesley Onguso (left) take on Aubrey Moobai of SuperSports United FC of South Africa during first leg of CAF Confederations Cup play-offs at Kenyatta Stadioum in Machakos County on On Sunday, April 8, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Continental body issues stringent conditions to be met by K’Ogalo.

The reality of taking part in the group stages of the CAF Confederations Cup is finally dawning on Gor Mahia, as the club works around the clock to fulfill stringent conditions.

Furthermore, it is also emerging that the club could be forced to play some of its home matches outside the country, should Kasarani not be ready in time for CAF action.

It turns out that qualifying for the group stages of the tournament is a different ball game and the excitement will die once the reality sets in.

Gor Mahia Chief Executive Lodvick Aduda yesterday told Standard Sports that Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County is out of the question in hosting the group matches.

“For preliminary matches, it could suffice, but at this stage, it is out of the question, as it does not have some of the requirements. Should Kasarani not be ready, then we will have no choice but to play some of our home matches either in Kigali, Algeria or Dar-es-Saalam.

“The regulations allow for this kind of arrangement, but we hope it will not reach this level and that those working on Kasarani will ensure it is ready before then,” he said.

There are doubts that the stadium will be ready before Gor’s first home match. The renovations, as per initial plans, were to have ended months ago.

Apart from concerns about an appropriate playing venue, Mr Aduda said the club was required to deposit with CAF their kit and shirt sponsorship contracts by last night.

“In case a club does not have a kit sponsor, then we will be allowed to use a blank one, which does not have the manufacturer’s logo,” he said.

Furthermore, the club is also required to surrender all their media rights to CAF and work in tandem with the appointed agent.

“At this stage, CAF takes over everything, and it means we cannot do anything with the media and marketing rights.

“It does not belong to us anymore. CAF is the one that will also issue media accreditation, not us,” he added.