Raila leaves for England to cheer Gor against Everton

ODM leader Raila Odinga (left) and Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier watch a match between Gor mahia and Mathare United at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on September 31,2018. Gor Mahia was later crowned as the 2018 KPL champions

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga left the country last evening for England where he will join other Kenyans to cheer Gor Mahia in its historic friendly match against English Premier League side Everton tomorrow at Goodison Park.

Mr Odinga, who is Gor Mahia’s patron, is confident that the Kenyan champions will put up a good show and win the friendly. He is appealing to Kenyans and Africans in England to find their way to Liverpool and stand in solidarity with Gor Mahia for victory in the historic encounter.

“This is a historic first for Kenyan football, particularly for community clubs which have to make do with very little against great expectations from their fans. I urge our people in the UK, Kenyans and Africans, to come out and give this club the morale boost it needs. Let’s meet in Liverpool,” Mr Odinga said.

“I also appeal to the players to realise that they are on national duty for the Republic of Kenya and take this assignment very seriously. Many benefits may come for many Kenyan soccer players out of this encounter. It is not about the Gor Mahia. It is about the many other football players in Kenya and the nation of Kenya.”

 

Elsewhere, Everton legend Yakubu Ayegbeni claims Kenya’s international midfielder Francis Kahata is good enough to trouble Everton during the highly anticipated SportPesa Trophy clash.

Kahata was key in the middle of the park for K’Ogalo during the SportPesa Super Cup in Nakuru, helping them to retain the trophy after beating Simba SC 2-0 in the final. [Rodgers Eshitemi]

His impressive performance caught the attention of the former Nigerian striker, who now considers him as one of the players to watch tomorrow.

“Gor Mahia are very physical at the back and very good in the midfield. There was a dreadlocked player in the midfield with a deft left foot. I really liked him and the way he plays. He is a great player and will for sure cause troubles on Tuesday. It will be difficult to mark him as well,” admitted Ayegbeni.

“This will be a great experience for Gor Mahia players and they must grab this opportunity with both hands. In football, you never know what will happen.”

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia talisman Jacques Tuyisenge is doubtful for tomorrow’s match against Everton after failing to acquire a visa on time.

The Rwandese international is yet to arrive in the United Kingdom, three days after the record Kenyan champions jetted in England.

Tuyisenge starred in last year’s inaugural tournament in Tanzania, scoring a goal as Dylan Kerr’s men fell 2-1 to the English Premier League side at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

“Travelling arrangements are being made for Tuyisenge to hit the runaway with any flight available on Monday (today) for him to be in Liverpool on time for the match,” Gor Mahia Media Officer Tony Awour told the Standard Sports.

“The earliest we expect him is on Tuesday morning because of the distance. He would have made it by evening with a direct flight, but that’s not possible.”

However, the team has been boosted by the arrival of new signing Shafik Batambuze in Liverpool, the host city for the match.

Batambuze, who was offered a two year contract a few weeks ago as a replacement for his Ugandan compatriot Geoffrey Walusimbi jetted in England on Saturday night.