Former Gor Mahia official laments K'Ogalo's lack of representation at Africa Cup of Nations

© Gor Mahia

FOOTBALL Former Gor Mahia official laments K'Ogalo's lack of representation at Africa Cup of Nations

Festus Chuma 07:00 - 04.01.2024

Former Gor Mahia official Sally Bolo laments the club's decline, highlighted by no players in AFCON 2023 squads.

After 24 African national teams finalized their squads for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, a glaring absence was noted: no player from the Kenyan giant, Gor Mahia, will feature in the tournament.

This is a stark contrast to previous editions, where Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) players, particularly from Gor Mahia, often graced the continental tourney.

Sally Bolo, a former treasurer of Gor Mahia, expressed deep disappointment over the club's current state.

"In the heyday of Gor Mahia FC, we had a legacy of over 10 players representing their national teams. Now, as teams like Masandawanas and Bafana Bafana send their contingents, we're left reminiscing about K'Ogalo's golden days," she lamented.

This year's absence is particularly telling, considering Gor Mahia's history of nurturing talents who proudly donned national colors.

"The nostalgia of seeing our players contribute significantly at the national level is overwhelming. It reflects on the current state of our club, which once was a football development powerhouse," Bolo added.

Her sentiment echoes a broader disappointment among stakeholders and fans, lamenting the perceived deterioration in standards at the club.

"As a stakeholder, my longing for a return to the glory days is palpable. We yearn to see Gor Mahia regain its status, not just in Kenya but in Africa," she stated.

The only player from the FKF Premier League who had a glimmer of hope was Tusker FC striker Ibrahim Joshua.

The Tanzanian striker, initially named in the provisional squad for the tournament, was later axed from the final team.

Joshua, who began his international journey in March 2022, has earned three caps for the Taifa Stars, marking a promising but solitary representation of the Kenyan league in recent international fixtures.

Gor Mahia's current squad, primarily composed of foreign players from Rwanda and Uganda, reflects a shift in the club's recruitment strategy.

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Unfortunately, both Rwanda and Uganda failed to qualify for the tournament, further highlighting the absence of Gor Mahia players on the international stage.

As the African football community gears up for AFCON 2023, the absence of Gor Mahia players serves as a poignant reminder of the club's past glory and the urgent need for a revival.

Bolo's call to action resonates with many, as she concludes, "Who is with me on this journey to reclaim our pride and elevate Gor Mahia to its rightful place in African football?"