NAIROBI, Kenya, July 24 –Since joining the ‘Green Army’ midfielder Rama Salim and striker Dan Sserenkuma have been at the epicentre of Gor Mahia’s resurgence under Croat head coach Zdravko Logarusic.
The pair has been instrumental in K’Ogalo’s seven consecutive winning run in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), exciting the Gor support to a level that has seen them acclaimed from the stands to social networking sites.
Salim, a former Congo United player who was recruited from the coast-based side in January after relegation from the top flight is delighted he found a haven in K’Ogalo.
“My move to Gor which is a bigger club that Congo was a huge challenge and I had to put in a lot of hard work which I’m glad it’s paying off,” the KPL Young Player of the Year award winner told Capital Sport after a training session at the City Stadium.
He sank in a brilliant hat trick in their 3-1 victory over KCB a fortnight ago and was in the score sheet last weekend during the 4-0 drubbing of City Stars, Gor’s biggest win this season.
In the two ties, their partnership with Sserenkuma was the catalyst as they ran rings around the defence in their quest for goals which were reflected at the end of the final whistle.
Ugandan international Sserenkuma, City Stars top scorer before switching sides during the June transfer window, returned to haunt his former employers by scoring a brace on Saturday and strongly believes he will flourish during his stay at Gor.
“It’s a pleasure working with Rama and the other players, this is a club I love and I feel close to the fans,” the soft spoken goal poacher added.
He however admitted the tie where he was named a man of the match gave him mixed feelings.
“It was good game for me since I always want to score in every game but I felt sorry for my former team but it’s my job to score and that had to be done,” he detailed.
The two said they owed their recent good form to the belief that Logarusic has in them as he understands their strengths and has always urged them on as the side continues its charge to the summit of the league.
“Coach (Logarusic) is one the best in the country; he has impacted a lot of skills in me and taught me many things I didn’t know when I was in City.
“He is always behind me with lots of support and am hoping I will keep doing my best,” Sserenkuma told.
“At first we thought he was applying so much pressure on us but we got used to his style and now understand he is not that hard since it’s all about results in the end.
“I have noticed that he doesn’t say ‘you have done well’, but prefers to use the words ‘you have not done your best’ which gives you the urge to improve in each game,” revealed Salim.
The two penned two year deals at the club, but unlike Sserenkuma who is keen to stay, Salim is not resting on his laurels as he harbours ambition to further his career outside the KPL.
“I consider this is a stepping stone, besides I have the support from the technical bench who have told me repeatedly that should I get a chance for trials particularly abroad I will have their full backing,” the midfielder asserted.
“This was a good move for me and I feel at home, I wish I could sign for ten years but that is up to the technical bench for now,” Sserenkuma said on his part.
The two are expected to be key figures during the Top 8 derby against rivals AFC Leopards on Sunday which they consider a victory will be a befitting gift for their loyal fans.
“It will be a tough game but the players are ready to give their best for the fans,” they concurred.
