I’m not here on holiday, declares new Gor coach

Gor Mahia Head Coach Steven Polack during the unveiling Gor Mahia's new recruits in Nairobi ahead of the 2019/2020 football season. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Newly appointed Gor Mahia coach Steve George Polack has made it clear that he’s a man on a ‘mission’ in Kenya and not on a ‘holiday.’

The 58-year-old English-Finnish born coach, who has been offered a two-year contract, was unveiled yesterday as Hassan Oktay’s replacement at the record Kenyan champions alongside assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo and 17 new signings.

This is the second time the immediate former Asante Kotoko trainer had shown interest in coaching K’Ogalo after he unsuccessfully applied for the job after the exit of Englishman Dylan Kerr in December 2018.

Though Polack’s first assignment will be to guide Gor in Sunday’s CAF Champions League first-round away tie against Burundi’s Aigle Noir CS, he wants to leave a legacy at his new club. The team is expected to leave for Bujumbura tomorrow morning.

“I want to thank Gor Mahia for inviting me to be their coach. This is not the first time that I have tried to come here, I tried one year ago but I wasn’t successful. I never gave up and I knew one day I will be here,” said Polack.

“So, I will show my gratitude and appreciation in the work that I will do. I’m not here on holiday but to work and give more than 130 per cent. This is a big club, hopefully, we are going to make it even bigger. I’m on fire and looking forward to my first assignment in the CAF competitions.

“Everywhere I have gone especially in Africa, I have left a mark to remind people that I was there. Some clubs have even gone ahead to call me to go back there again which is a great honour. That’s why I believe I will leave a mark on this great club when my time to leave reaches.”

Asked if he is feeling any pressure to replicate or even surpass what his predecessor, Oktay, achieved during his one season stay at Gor Mahia (leading Gor to their 18th unprecedented league title and historic Confederation Cup quarterfinals), Polack said: “  No. I’m not feeling any pressure. Pressure is for tyres and not me. I have been in the game for a while and I am capable of doing the job.

But for him to be successful, Polack who has already exuded confidence in the squad, the players must quickly adapt his philosophy.

“This is a club that I was interested before but I will just change a few things in the team. Work ethics is an important thing for me. I’ve my own philosophy and I hope the players will adapt to it. One thing I can promise everyone out there is that my players must be ready to work hard, show a good attitude, commitment and most important enjoy the game,” he said.

“Of course, I’m very optimistic I will achieve a lot with this young squad. I don’t look at people’s passports but what they can deliver on the pitch. If you are good enough whether old or young, I will field you.”

Elsewhere, Portuguese Da Silva Alves is expected to be appointed as Sofapaka’s head coach. John Barasa is once again expected to be demoted to the assistant coaching role.

Gor Mahia’s new signings

Goalkeepers: David Mapigano, Caleb Omondi

Defenders: Elvis Ronack, Maurice Ojwang, Abdala Shira, Alphonse Omija, Richdonald Bolo

Midfielders: Geoffrey Omondi, Tobias Otieno, Curtis Wekesa, Lloyd Khavuchi

Strikers: Gnamien Yikpei, Francis Afriyie, Dickson Ambundo, Sam Osoo, Kennedy Otieno, Dennis Oalo.

Gor Mahia’s departures

Shaban Odhoji, Castro Ogendo, Erisa Ssekisambu, Pascal Ogweno, Cercidy Okeyo, Francis Kahata, George Odhiambo, Hashim Sempala, Francis Mustafa and Jacques Tuyisenge