NAIROBI, Kenya, September 16 – Gor Mahia head coach Frank Nuttall, has dismissed talk of divisions in the technical bench as the champions prepare for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title run in.
Print media reports alleged the Scotsman had fallen out with fitness trainer, Tom Ogweno but speaking to Capital Sport on Tuesday, Nuttall trashed the allegations saying the club is focusing on retaining the trophy.
“The reports going round in media are not true I did not expel nor suspend the fitness trainer on Sunday as reported. I’m happy with the staff and on what we are doing behind the scenes with regard of the technical bench.
“I’m happy with the decisions that are being made in the club and we have unity since everyone has his own role,” the 46-year-old told.
Captain and goalkeeper Jerim Onyango echoed his coach’s sentiments and urged the Green Army to be calm since there are is no trouble in the club.
“I don’t think if there is any problem because there is good collaboration within the technical bench. The coach has assigned everyone his role and everyone is happy. I’m calling upon our fans to be calm since everything is okay,” the Harambee Stars custodian stated.
Reports published by a local daily alleged that assistant coach Frank Ouna misled Nuttall on team selection following their 1-1 draw against Tusker, but the Bobby Williamson successor says the match was tough and he expects every game in KPL to be difficult.
K’Ogalo who have won once and drawn twice have a chance of re-taking the lead when they host Ulinzi Stars on Wednesday at Nairobi’s City Stadium and displace Sofapaka who have played two more games than them.
Gor will be without dependable defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino who has accumulated five yellow cards in an encounter the hosts will be looking for a repeat of first leg when they won 2-1.
“Ulinzi will be a tough game. I have watched them play last week against KCB and we have gone through the DVD’s of their previous games to get more familiar with them.
“Players are ready and willing to go and like every coach I want to win the remaining matches and hopefully retain the title. Ulinzi is a strong team and we are not going to relax because we beat them in the first leg, a lot has changed in that period including the squad,” Nuttall said.
The military side on the other hand, will be seeking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to KCB and leapfrog Thika United to fifth on the log.
However, head coach Robert Matano, is aware on what awaits his charges who last beat Gor a year ago, calling upon them to show a fighting spirit.
“I was disappointed with the result against KCB and how we played. We never gave 100 percent and did not work hard.
“Players must wake up and play as a team not as individuals. We have to improve because we want to fight well until the last day of the league,” Matano told the club’s official website.
With Owino ruled out, Ugandan Israel Emuge is available for selection to join Kevin Oluoch, Harun Shakava and Musa Mohammed at the back while Onyango who was outstanding during Tusker game standing in between the sticks.
Godfrey Walusimbi is expected to continue with his new role playing more on attacking in the left wing partnering with Geoffrey Kizito, Collins Okoth and Kevin Ochieng in the center while talisman Dan Sserunkuma and youngster Timothy Otieno will hunt for goals.
Ulinzi are expected to parade a strong squad since all players are available for selection led by James Saruni in goal. Oliver Rutto, Cyrus Shitote, Geoffrey Kokoyo and Hassan Mohammed in defence.
Skipper Stephen Ocholla will control the midfield alongside John Nairuka, Boniface Onyango and Evans Amwoka as Stephen Waruru and Kevin Amwayi are available for selection upfront.