Dj Vnyash
Gor Mahia’s trip to Nigeria for the inaugural Coal City International was abruptly canceled after the team boycotted training, demanding a share of the Sh5 million awarded to them by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) during the annual football gala.
Those who led the strike received formal notices requiring them to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for not showing up for work. The players face potential further sanctions from the club and have 48 hours from last night to respond.
Up until yesterday afternoon, everything seemed on track, with team manager Victor Nyaoro arranging air tickets for departure to Enugu on Wednesday evening. However, only younger players and new signings showed up for training, while most senior players refused to participate, even after management addressed them.
Nyaoro later informed the team via WhatsApp that the trip was canceled and that the players would receive disciplinary letters. The notice read, “You are hereby required to show cause in writing within 48 hours of the date of this letter why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for violating Clause 6 of your contract with the Club and Article 14 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.”
Gor Mahia’s secretary general, Samuel Ochola, also cautioned players who chose to sit on the team bus instead of training. He stated, “It is noted that you willfully refused to train on different dates between July 27 and 30, 2024; and instead staged a sit-in at the Mpesa Foundation.” He further mentioned that the club would withhold a portion of their monthly salaries and benefits during this period. If no explanation or response is received by the deadline, the club will proceed with its decision without further consultation.
Former Gor Mahia goalkeeper Mathews ‘Ottamax’ Owino urged players to be more responsible and to thoroughly read their contracts before going on strike. This is not the first instance of K’Ogalo players staging a boycott; a similar action took place in October 2017 over unpaid dues.
Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier stated that no clause in the players’ contracts entitles them to a share of the prize money when the club wins the league. New head coach Leonardo Neiva expressed disappointment, as he had hoped to use the tournament to assess his new signings and playing philosophy after the team exited the Cecafa Cup group stage in Dar-es-salaam on July 16.
Gor Mahia was set to receive an appearance fee of N5 million (about Sh478,000) per match, and the organizers will seek a local team to take their place. K’Ogalo was scheduled to face Brazilian giants Corinthians in the Coal City tournament opener on August 2, followed by a match against Coton FC of Benin on August 4, and concluding with a game against Nigeria’s Remo Stars on August 6.
