Fans hang on despite Gor’s bleak outlook

Courtesy of The Standard

By Robin Toskin

Long after Gor Mahia were knocked off the local football pedestal in 1995, the last time they won the league, average K’Ogalo faithful are reluctant to acknowledge times have changed.

But after their 2-1 loss to KCB at Coca Cola, there was deafening silence punctuated by restrained catcalls aimed at players as die-hard fans trooped out of the Stadium.

A fan mused: "At this rate I think this team (Gor) should carry a health hazard warning. They play well and when you think they are about score, they conceded a goal. It is not good for my health."

Coach James Siang’a, who has come to symbolise heartache for demanding fans was miles away— amid speculation he had thrown in the towel.

Despised Coach

KCB’s Jacob Keli challenges Gor Mahia’s Solomon Nasio in a KPL match at Coca Cola Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Tabitha Otwori/Standard

Club secretary, Vincent K’Odera denied suggestions Siang’a had quit, as the former idolised K’Ogalo goalkeeper now despised as a coach refused to talk to media.

When Gor took the lead after four minutes via a sublime penalty kick by goalkeeper George Odhiambo, celebrations did hit reach fever-pitch decibels; rather it was the officials who stood longer than the fans to applaud the lead.

But after lightning strikes by Humphrey Mieno and fleet-footed Jacob Keli, trepidation replaced optimism.

Gor had never lost under stand-in coach Gideon Ochieng until Saturday and with him on the bench there was hope of a third victory in nine outings. It was never to be.

Shocking win

Interestingly, there was excitement, cheering and applause after word filtered through AFC Leopards had shockingly claimed three points at Sony Sugar, their first KPL win since 2006. Sebastian Muchera was the hero with a first half effort as Sony Sugar’s home form plunged to new lows.

Thika United once again emphasised why they are not ready to challenge for honours after a catastrophic blunder handed Tusker a 2-1 win on a silver platter. Though a gift of sorts, Tusker’s win was a reward for hard work far from Sofapaka’s last gasp 1-0 victory over Red Berets on Saturday.

Gedion Ambani’s Berets paid heavy price of a missed penalty after John Muiru was clattered in the box following Sofapaka’s suicidal defending. Champions Mathare United had to look up to their unsung hero Anthony Khadudu whose brace shook off round eight leaders Western Stima.

Mathare beat Stima 3-0 at Bukhungu late last year to virtually bag the KPL title but the Westerner’s seemed on course to avenge after a Mark Sirengo strike until Khadudu intervened with a brace.