Gor Mahia team manager Victor Nyaoro says they are ready to make up for last year's disappointment as they embark on the preparations for the Confederations of Africa Champions League next season.
Gor missed out on the continental event last season due to Fifa sanctions. Trouble started after three former Gor players; Malian goalkeeper Adama Keita, Burundian Jules Ulimwengu and Congolese striker Sando Yangayay complained to Fifa over the club's failure to honour payments as agreed.
Caf notified Gor and Football Kenya Federation of the complaint after Fifa had previously ordered the club to pay up.
Consequently, Gor’s club’s license was nullified, followed by suspension from the Caf Champions League after failing to pay the players within 24 hours.
The events saw an angry Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier vow never to sign foreign players, claiming their agents manipulated and exploited them even after agreeing on an out-of-court payment plan.
According to Nyaoro, Gor, who rounded up their record-extending 21st FKF Premier League title last Sunday with a 4-3 victory over Bidco United, have no room for error this time round.
However, Nyaoro insists they have no hindrance to paperwork, contractual obligations and Caf Club licensing that may stand on their way to continental football.
“I’m responsible for logistics and having scrutinised records on contracts, I can confirm we owe no one any money,” Ascertained Nyaoro
KO’gallo are expected to unveil a new coach soon. However, they also hope to beef up the squad and have been linked with Bidco United striker John Walibuka, Ugandan international Muhammad Shaban and Congolese talisman Gedeon Bendeka ahead of the Caf Champions League.
Nyaoro remained tight-lipped on signings but confirmed the technical bench will unveil the new faces and departures soon.
Meanwhile, outgoing Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry who just took charge of the Gambian national team, leaves officially on a high with no complaints against the club.
“I had two great years at Gor Mahia and I am happy to have won two KPL league titles despite the tough times. "No Kenyan team has ever made the Champions League group stage and I believe with good signings, they will.
"I joined the Gambian national side and the targets are higher with different international ambitions."
"Some of my new players in Gambia will make a 20-40 million pound move in Europe, an amount that can buy a whole KPL team," joked the Northern Irishman.
Assistant Captain Geoffrey “Simiti” Ochieng thanked McKinstry for a good job, saying he wished he would have stayed longer. "All the same life continues and our focus is on the Champions League group stage."
“We played as a unit throughout and had a generally good season generally. Our keeper Kelvin Omondi won the Golden Glove, Benson Omalla was the top scorer, our midfield was outstanding and our defence conceded the fewest goals," bragged Simiti.
