K’Ogalo boss distances himself from Djabel transfer saga

Gor Mahia midfielder Kenneth Muguna (right) in action against AS Maniema Union during the Cecafa Club Championships at the Umuganda Stadium on Monday. [Courtesy]

Gor Mahia head coach Hassan Oktay has distanced himself from the transfer saga involving Rwandese midfielder Djabel Imanishimwe and the Kenyan giants ahead of today’s Cecafa Kagame Cup Group D match against AS Ports at 2.30pm in Rubavu.

The record Kenyan champions had reportedly secured Imanishimwe's services for Sh3 million with his club Rayon Sports announcing the deal through their social media pages, only for him to pen a deal with Rayon’s rivals APR four days later.

Imanishiwe’s signing appeared to be a replacement for Kenyan international Francis Kahata, who recently signed with Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

“I really don’t know if the club management tried to sign the player (Djabel). But as far as I’m concerned we are looking for a striker to replace Tuyisenge (Jacques) and not midfielders,” Oktay told Standard Sports.

“But honestly speaking, I don’t know anything about Djabel. I'm hearing this for the first time here.”

Three of Gor’s new signings midfielder Tobias Otieno, Dickson Ambundo and Dennis Oalo made their debut in Monday’s 2-1 victory over Congolese side AS Maniema at the Omuganda Stadium.

Even though the pressure is on the Turkish-Cypriot born tactician to end the club’s 34-year Cecafa glory drought, he said they are using the tournament as part of their preseason training.

“I’m sorry to say this, but I’m not taking this tournament very seriously. I’m just using it to build our fitness levels and mental strength ahead of our busy season. It’s also a chance to see the new signings and what they can do,” said Oktay.

“But as you know, we have a winning habit at Gor and that culture must be embraced whether in the tournament or the league. We hope to take another three points in our next match against Ports.”

Meanwhile, Congolese import Yema Mwana scored a last gasp equaliser to snatch a point for Bandari as the dockers held Mukura Victory Sports to a 2-2 draw in yesterday's Group B match at Huye Stadium.

This means, Bandari, who drew 1-1 with Uganda's KCCA in the opening match, must now beat champions Azam on Friday to secure a quarter-final berth.

Shaban Kenga had given Bandari a first-half lead.