Former Gor Mahia treasurer Sally Bolo has expressed her disappointment over the club’s decline, underscored by the absence of its players in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squads.
As 24 African national teams prepared for AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, it was noticeable that no players from the Kenyan powerhouse, Gor Mahia, were included.
Historically, players from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL), especially Gor Mahia, frequently participated in this continental event.
Bolo, reflecting on the club’s past achievements, noted, “In Gor Mahia FC’s prime, we had over 10 players representing their national teams. Now, we’re left to reminisce about K’Ogalo’s golden days as teams like Masandawanas and Bafana Bafana send their players.”
The absence of Gor Mahia players in this year’s AFCON is particularly significant given the club’s history of fostering talent for national representation.
Bolo expressed her nostalgia and concern about the club’s current state, once known for its football development prowess.
She shared her hope for Gor Mahia’s resurgence, not just in Kenya but across Africa, echoing the sentiments of stakeholders and fans dismayed by the club’s perceived decline.
The only FKF Premier League player who nearly made it to AFCON 2023 was Tusker FC’s Tanzanian striker Ibrahim Joshua. Initially part of the provisional squad, he was ultimately not included in the final team. Despite his three international caps for the Taifa Stars since March 2022, he represents a lone figure from the Kenyan league in recent international matches.
The current Gor Mahia squad, mainly consisting of players from Rwanda and Uganda, mirrors a change in recruitment strategy. However, with neither Rwanda nor Uganda qualifying for AFCON, the absence of Gor Mahia players at the international level is even more pronounced.
As AFCON 2023 approaches, the lack of Gor Mahia representation is a stark reminder of the club’s former glory and the urgent need for rejuvenation.
Concluding her statement, Bolo passionately calls for a collective effort to restore Gor Mahia’s prominence in African football.
