Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has challenged Gor Mahia players not to fear their fancied opponents when they take on English Premier League side Everton tonight.
According to Raila, who is also K’ogallo’s patron, Everton players have two balls just like Gor players.
“It is not a matter of life and death. It is not a battle of David and Goalith. It is David and David. We want you to have confidence in yourself. Just go there, have your confidence and play your game.” Raila told the players last evening.
Raila and his daughter Winnie Odinga jetted to the UK yesterday and will be at the Goodison Park to watch the historic match. The match will see Gor become the first East African Club to play an EPL side.
Ahead of the clash, Gor were boosted by a sh 2.1 million from Sportpesa C.E.O Ronald Karauri.
“and the surprise of the night ahead of tommorow’s game was when SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri stormed players’ private dinning room with a token of Sh 2.1 million to the players and technical bench.” Gor said on their official Twitter Handle.
Gor play Everton tonight at 10pm Kenyan time. They will face their hosts without their top striker, Jacques Tuyisenge as they pursue another glittering chapter in their decorated history.
With @OfficialGMFC in Liverpool last evening ahead of their match today in which they will be taking on @Everton at Goodison Park we wish them all the best. pic.twitter.com/AqPSFXbiqG
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) November 6, 2018
The Rwanda international missed the last window to link up with his teammates in England on Monday when his passport became stuck on its way from the British consulate in South Africa to Nairobi.
Kerr backed Burundi national, Francis Mustapha who joined the club mid season in June as one of those raring to take up the mantle and rattle in the goals for Gor.
“Even without Tuyisenge who is our main striker, our training had not been hampered but Mustapha looked on fire today (Monday) and that’s motivating,” Kerr underlined.
The Gor coach however, cautioned his side against being frozen by the sense of occasion in what for most of his team is the biggest game they have ever taken part.
“I hope the expectations for the game doesn’t get the best of the players. They just need to be organised and stick to the plan.
“I’ve got to use my common sense as I pick the first 11 and I have to be very cautious so as to select the perfect line-up,” Kerr added.
The record domestic league champions got the rare opportunity to get a second crack at Everton after retaining the SportPesa Cup with a 2-0 victory over Simba SC.
“I just need my players to enjoy the game, play with confidence and belief so we can give them a real test,” Kerr concluded.