Monthly awards motivation to my players, says coach Harrison

FKF Premier League side Gor Mahia coach Mark Harrison says Betsafe monthly awards motivating his players as he keen to continue KPL unbeaten streak

The record top tier champions are gearing up for tough end of year with matches against, Kakmega Homeboyz, and City Stars looming ahead after sharing spoils with Bandari and trouncing Vihiga Bullets 3-0 in a span of four days.

Motivated by 1-0 defeat to Congolese side Otoho d’Oyo in the CAF Confederations Cup, K’Ogalo will be looking to stamp their authority on the next few games.

Head Coach, Mark Harrison, is staying cautiously optimistic over the next four games.

“We have a few tough games in December. Out of the next four games, I’d be extremely happy to take away 10 points,” said Harrison.

The Green Army thronged the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 5th December in full support of Sirkal as they took to the field against Congolese side Otoho d’Oyo for the first international match to be played in front of fans since the ban was lifted late 2021.

Harrison says he was thrilled to play in front of what many call ‘the 12th man’ for the first time since taking over the coaching mantle.

“Playing in empty stadiums has been difficult for everybody; it feels like a practise game half the time. The supporters being in the stadium made a big difference; the atmosphere was fantastic,” he said.

Gor Mahia needed to win by two goals if they were to continue in the CAF Confederations Cup.

A week earlier, Ronald Okouri scored in the second half to give the Congolese side a slim 1-0 victory of the Kenyans at Alphonse-Massamba Debat Stadium in Brazzaville.

At Nyayo stadium the lean Gor squad quickly rallied after conceding, and John Macharia found the back of the net with a clinical finish to bring the game to a 1-1 draw two minutes later.

Despite the early goals, neither side could find a winner and ending the game at level pegging.

Harrison wasn’t too thrilled with his side’s direct play, but takes comfort in the fact that they fielded a young squad that has gained crucial experience from the international fixtures that will translate to a stronger team overall.

Gor Mahia were always going to have a challenging regional campaign in the CAF Confederations Cup, having been able to register only 16 players for the tournament.
“We were left with 12 players and the 12th player was a goal keeper. We had to play the full 90 minutes without making any changes and 2 of the players hadn’t played before this season. We came home thinking we had a good chance, with Philemon and Sydney back from injury and the quarantined players were back,” said Harrison, noting that they had a good chance to win the game at Nyayo Stadium.

Harrison is looking to grow the team’s goal scoring rate aiming for at least two goals per game which he believes will be achieved by increasing passing and reducing delivery of long balls forward.

”I believe that we’ll be challenging for the win by the end of the season, and we have a squad capable of winning the league. I want to play attractive and entertaining football.”

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