NAIROBI, Kenya, June 20 – Champions Gor Mahia have refuted reports published by a local daily claiming the club would withdraw their players from the planned Harambee Stars trip to Brazil to watch the Nigeria/Argentina clash next week.
According to an article in a leading daily on Wednesday, Gor Mahia CEO Lordvick Aduda was quoted saying the trip sponsored by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kenya Breweries Limited would interfere with their plans for their remaining Kenyan Premier League (KPL) second leg fixtures.
Aduda went ahead to claim the Head of State should have consulted clubs before making the announcement.
However in a rejoinder, Gor and KPL chairman, Ambrose Rachier said in a statement they have no objections to releasing their players who include captain and keeper Jerim Onyango and defender Musa Mohammed for the trip.
The statement curiously sent through Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president, Sam Nyamweya, added K’Ogalo had written to the said daily to demand a correction.
“The article complained of is indeed unfortunate and was published without our authority as a club, although the article in question is not authorized by Gor Mahia FC, I take this opportunity to refute both it’s contents and innuendos,” the statement signed by Rachier read in part.
“For the avoidance doubt, we have no objection to the release of our players to visit Brazil for the World Cup trip who are indeed grateful to the President for extending them this morale-boosting sponsorship.”
And in another twist according to the statement, Rachier disowned Aduda as the club’s chief executive saying he “has no authority to speak on behalf on the club.”
“When I contacted him with regard to the article, he denied having issued the statement complained of or having spoken to the press over the matter of release of players.
“We have noted Aduda’s suspension from all football activities and will be guided accordingly,” Rachier declared.
President Kenyatta, spouse Margaret and the brewers sponsored a squad of 18 local based players who are set to depart Saturday for the last Group F clash in Porto Allegre next Wednesday.