Gor technical staff threaten to boycott fixtures over pay

Gor Mahia midfielder Ernest Wendo (left) vies with Meddie Kagere during a training session on October 13, 2015 at Camp Toyoyo grounds. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Rachier admits champions struggling financially, pleads for more time
  • Tacticians up in arms over delayed salaries as K’Ogalo set for Shield clash

A storm is brewing at Gor Mahia which threatens to overshadow their GOtv Shield last 16 match against Palos Wednesday afternoon.

K’Ogalo's backroom staff has threatened to boycott all the club’s remaining fixtures until their dues are fully settled.

The frustrated coaches say they have had enough of the “false promises” from the club as far as settling their salary arrears is concerned.

At Tuesday's training session, the playing unit were taken through their paces by deputy coach John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla and goalkeeper trainer Mathew Ottamax. Team manager Jolawi Abondo was also present.

However, conspicuously absent was assistant coach Frank Ouna, who Daily Nation Sport understands has opted to keep away from training because officials have failed to honour their end of the bargain. Head coach Frank Nuttall was also absent as he had travelled to Scotland, but was expected to jet back last evening.

Gor are set to confront the National Division One side at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani from 3pm, as Sofapaka take on AFC Leopards at the Nairobi City Stadium from 4pm in a league match.

POOR TREATMENT

A member of the technical bench, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that club chairman Ambrose Rachier has been aloof and whenever he meets them, he makes promises which he never keeps.

“It’s sad that this is the kind of treatment we can be subjected to yet everybody knows that we have laboured to take the team to its current status,” he said.

“The office does not care how we pay our rent and meet our daily expenses. Why pay the players and forget the technical bench? Since January, I have never been paid. What the chairman gives us is hand-outs. At times Sh5,000, Sh10,000 or Sh20,000.”

Another official weighed in: “The office can afford to pay Nuttall’s return air-ticket to Europe, yet they cannot even raise our monthly pay.” Contacted, Rachier said that Nuttall paid for his own air-ticket. “We have a lot of financial problems as a club. I’ve paid all salaries of the players up to August and part of September. The playing unit form the core part of the team and it’s important to hold them together. It’s my thinking and it may be stupid,” said Rachier.

“As far as the technical bench is concerned, I have a lot of arrears; even the head coach still has substantial arrears. They are right to run out of patience because I do not have money. They do come to make their individual cases whenever they have problems and whatever little I have, I do give. I’m doing my best to raise money.”