Esperance engage in ‘mind games’
PHOTO | FILE Gor Mahia captain Jerim Onyango at a past training session. The Tunisian press has meanwhile heaped press on the Gor keeper after his penalty heroics in Bitam and said he was player to watch.
What you need to know:
- Such organisation would probably leave most coaches handling clubs this side of Africa a touch worried but not so Gor coach Bobby Williamson.
- The Tunisian press has meanwhile heaped press on Gor keeper Jeremy Onyango after his penalty heroics in Bitam and said he was player to watch.
Gor Mahia’s opponents in the first round of the African Champions League Esperance Sportive de Tunis, have rejected an offer by their hosts to reside at the plush Laico Hotel located within Nairobi’s CBD.
Instead, the two-time African champions, who’s 50-man contingent is set to arrive in the country Thursday afternoon aboard a chartered flight, have opted for the equally plum Intercontinental Hotel, situated a stone throw away from Laico.
“The north Africans like playing mind games. Last time Tusker hosted (Egyptian club) Al Ahly who rejected Intercon and settled in at Laico, now Esperance are doing exactly the opposite.” Gor Secretary general David Kiilo told Nation Sport.
The teams lock horns at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday at 3pm.
Nation Sport has learnt that the north African club’s customary large continent consists of the playing squad, technical bench, journalists and a back room staff that has a psychologist, chef and masseur.
The Tunisian giants are certainly putting every arrangement possible in place in their chase for victory.
Such organisation would probably leave most coaches handling clubs this side of Africa a touch worried but not so Gor coach Bobby Williamson.
“I don’t know much about them but I believe they are also in the dark about us. We have as good a chance as they of progressing and I am certain the fans will see a good game come Saturday,” the Scot opined.
The red and gold, who are managed by former Dutch captain Ruud Krol, warmed up for this clash with a 3-1 victory over ES Metlaoui in a league match at the weekend. This saw the 25-time Tunisian champions maintain a nine-point lead on the domestic front ahead of their nearest rivals Club Africain.
Gor defeated Gabon outfit US Bitam 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw to qualify for this stage of the competition. The Tunisians were meanwhile given a bye to the first round.
Kenya international David Owino will miss this tie through suspension. The centre back was sent off for dissent during the side’s last continental assignment, away to US Bitam.
“Either Israel Emuge or Kevin Oluoch will replace Owino,” Williamson confirmed.
The Tunisian press has meanwhile heaped press on Gor keeper Jeremy Onyango after his penalty heroics in Bitam and said he was player to watch.
According to the Tunisia News Agency, Onyango, who saved two penalties within regulation time and a further two during the post-match shootout, was capable of winning a tie for any team.
Tickets for the clash will be available at for Sh1,000 main stand and Sh200 for the terraces.
