Hull City coach raises the stakes ahead of Gor friendly

Hull City coach Nigel Adkins says he will consider signing up ‘one or two’ Gor Mahia players if they impress him in Sunday’s friendly match at Kasarani Stadium.

Sunday’s match between the English Championship club and the Kenyan champions, the first of its kind in the country after more than three decades, kicks off at 3pm.

Adkins, 53, who has previously managed Southampton and Reading in the English Premier League, said his charges are keen to experience a completely different assignment when they take on Gor Mahia.

“We have never been to Africa before,” the coach said on Saturday, moments after conducting a 45-minute training session at the 60,000 seater stadium.

“It’s very hot here, and this pitch was just laid last week. It’s not what we are accustomed to, but it should provide us with a different and interesting experience. I hope the stadium will be full and the lads can enjoy the challenge.”

He added: “We are looking to recruit ahead of next season. We have some players who were here on loan and have left the club and others are out of contract."

“(Gor Mahia coach Dylan) Kerr has asked me to look out for some quality lads in his team and you never know what might come out of it. Overall, there is no pressure, this is an opportunity to grow Kenyan football and play football.”

As Adkins was playing easy,  K’Ogalo captain Harun Shakava warned his teammates to be wary of the physical threat of their English opponents.

“I experienced it when we played Hull in England (with SportPesa All Stars team in 2016) and against Everton last year, they are always tough and challenge for everything. This weather could be advantageous to us. I am hoping we will impress,” Shakava said.

Lethal Rwandan forward Meddie Kagere, his compatriot Karim Nizigiyimana and Wellington Ochieng are set to miss the match.

“We are aiming to showcase Kenyan talents, not just Gor Mahia talents,” Kerr added.

“Meddie will miss out, Karim and Wellington are not ready. We will try the Ephrem (Ghuikan) and Jacques (Tuyisenge) partnership in attack in readiness for our Confederation Cup fixture (against USM Algier) on Wednesday. Everyone wants to play tomorrow and we will give a chance to all those available.”

Adkins will be miss the services of up to eight players, including Sebastian Larson and Jackson Irvine, who have been excused to start preparing with their national teams for the Fifa World Cup in Russia.

Jarrod Bowen, who is Hull’s top scorer this season with 11 goals, will be the player to watch out for in attack.  Former Manchester United and Crystal Palace forward Fraizer Campbell could also be in line for a start.

Veteran keeper David Marshall could play a part too, as well as former Barcelona and Arsenal trainee Jon Toral.

Hull finished 18th in the 24-team English second tier league this season, a year after suffering relegation from the English Premier League.

Hull City squad: David Marshall, Callum Burton, Dan Batty, Jarrod Bowen, Fraizer Campbell, Billy Chadwick, Max Clark, Adam Curry, Nouha Dicko, Evandro, Brandon Fleming, Tyler Hamilton, Will Keane, Stephen Kingsley, Robbie McKenzie, Tom Powell, Kevin Stewart, Jon Toral.