Gor to unveil Kerrs successor next week as 53 apply

Kenyan glamour club Gor Mahia will unveil their new head coach next week as they bid to plug the gaping hole left by immediate former coach Briton Dylan Kerr.

Addressing a packed press conference on Monday, club chairman Ambrose Rachier said that the vacant post had attracted local and international applicants, with the club executive now doing the short listing before they settle on an ‘ideal’ man to be unveiled next week.

“We have received 53 applications for his replacement which we are processing for purposes of short listing for engagement. In due course, we shall announce the appointment of a new head coach,” confirmed Rachier.

Rachier added that the league champions will have a new tactician before the Caf-Champions League preliminary round return leg against Malawi’s Nyasa Bullets slated for December 5.

Former AFC Leopards coach, Belgian Luc Eymael and current Rayon Sports’ Brazilian tactician Roberto Oliveira had been tipped as favorites before the former bolted out of the race to join Egyptian side El Geish SC.

Rachier further revealed they are looking for an experienced coach as far as African football is concerned.

“First and foremost we will be looking at issues like language for ease of communication with players and experience more so African football experience before we settle for Kerr’s successor,” added the chairman.

The club also unveiled its new signings ahead of the new season. Eric Ombija ,Castro Ogendo, defender Pascal Ogweno from Kariobangi Sharks, Geoffrey Okoth ( Western Stima ),  Kenneth Muguna , Nicolas Kipkirui (Zoo Kericho),  Shaffique Batambuze  and Erisa Ssekisambu ( Vipers ,Uganda)– have all docked at the club.

At the same time, Gor’s Caf Champions League opponents Nyasa Big Bullets  will  conduct their first training at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani today evening ahead of the much-awaited tie set to kick-off at 7:00pm on Wednesday, after jetting in on Sunday night.

Gor’s ‘shambolic’ preparations ahead of this fixture will be tested by the on-form Malawians who warmed up for this encounter with a resounding 5-0 win over Chitipa United in the Malawi Challenge Cup quarter-finals last week.

Tickets retail at Ksh 500 for the main stand and Ksh 200 for terraces.

Meanwhile, the Wednesday’s tie will be preceded by Kariobangi Sharks Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg fixture against Djibouti’s Arta Solar at the same venue tomorrow.