Oktay: Player protest internal issue, we need fans at Kasarani

Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay believes the hard-fought 2-1 win over Kakamega Homeboyz on Thursday in Machakos was the perfect preparation they needed ahead of their must-win Caf Confederation Cup group “D” match against Petro Atletico of Angola on Sunday.

Gor had to come from a goal down to bag maximum points thanks to second half strikes from substitute Francis Mustafa and Boniface Omondi.

“When you rotate six to seven players and still get a result from Homeboyz, you must be happy,” said Oktay.

“You know we lost 4-0 in Egypt but took a big risk in my fielding to get a result and bounce back. This is a big boost, it will be tough but we need to win,” he added.

The Turkish-Cypriot didn't even have the specified seven players on the bench due to protest over delayed February salary and unpaid bonuses but says that is a "family issue which will be solved internally."

“Of course you lose the team balance and makes my job difficult because I had to call the players personally,” he said.

“But look, in your family life don’t you fight with your wife or argue at times? The club is the same, sometimes you got issues with the committee members, between players and coaches and my job is to fix it, we’ve no problem so far, the issue has been fixed."

“The players will come to training in readiness for the Sunday match but I need the 12th man to cheer them on to victory. Petro are a good side as well.”

The win sent Gor second on 32 points, same as third placed Bandari who have an inferior goal difference.

Sofapaka lead on 33 points but K’Ogalo have three games in hand.