Face Everton Test With 'Cojones' Raila Challenges Gor Mahia

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom- As the Gor Mahia FC players settled down to have dinner at their hotel after a busy day out in Liverpool on Monday night, nothing had prepared them to the pleasant surprise that awaited them.

Lots of conversation about the days’ activities was going round the tables as they shared their last supper before the landmark fixture against nine-time English champions, Everton FC.

Then suddenly, the doors swung open and three well-built gentlemen walked in followed by former Kenyan Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga in the company of Principal Secretary for Sports, Ambassador Kirimi Kaberia, SportPesa Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ronald Karauri and Gor chairman, Ambrose Rachier.

With the exception of Rachier, the other top guests who are among the dignitaries who will watch K’Ogalo take on Everton at Goodison Park on Tuesday evening arrived just hours before the dinner.

Addressing the players, Raila challenged them to take on the nine-time English champions without pound for pound as he urged them to take the golden opportunity to sell their talent to the watching scouts and football fans across the world.

“It is not matter of life and death. The most important thing is that you are going to come and showcase yourself. It is not a case of David versus Goliath, it is David and David,” the former premier started, drawing laughter and cheers from those present in the room when he paraphrased the famous Biblical tale that narrates how the King of Israel, David slew the feared Philistine giant Goliath with a sling shot.

“I want you to have confidence in yourself, sometimes people go there with fear. Just go there and have confidence and play your game.

“These are your fellow beings like you, wana mbili na wewe uko na mbili, hawako na tatu, wanaume kama nyinyi  (they have a pair and you have a pair as well, men like you, they don’t have an extra one),” Raila’s pep talk continued as he charged Gor to show cojones during the anticipated game.

Religious fans

The opposition chief who was recently appointed as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure brought along his two children, Junior and Winnie Odinga, who are also religious K’Ogalo fans.

“I had to come and surprise you guys because before anything else I am a Gor supporter. I’m very proud of you and I am sure that everyone back home is as well. I can’t wait for the game and I just want you to know that you have our full support as you prepare to step onto that pitch tomorrow (Tuesday).

“My house is full of Gor fans and I brought two along to enjoy this historic moment with me. Congratulations for achieving this feat and all the best in,” Raila emphasised.

“I’m humbled to be here in your presence and firstly I’d like to congratulate you on a job well done. Getting here wasn’t easy and now it’s up to you to take that hard work onto the pitch and battle it out tomorrow,” Kaberia noted in his address.

In his statement, SportPesa chief Karauri hailed the landmark tour as another crowning achievement of their football development initiatives aimed at exposing African talent to a global stage.

“I’m very happy to see that all of you are well and looking nice in those jumpers. It’s a wonderful sight. 

“All you’ve worked so hard for will be shown tomorrow on that pitch. It’s not about winning but showing your talents to the world and making everyone remember Gor. We are all excited for the game and can’t wait to cheer you on,” the Captain underlined.

As is his custom on such a grand occasion, Rachier introduced all his players to the guests, calling them out one by one off head before proclaiming they had come to Liverpool to make a statement.

“I have to let everyone in Liverpool know my players are here and they must remember their names.

“We have played Everton before and despite losing 2-1, we believe that this time we can get a good result. I wish all of you the best,” Rachier rallied.

The dinner wrapped up a significant day in the tour dubbed ‘Gor in Everton’ where Dylan Kerr and his players got to train once more at the USM Finch Farm complex before touring Goodison where the team hopes to etch their names to the annals of history.

-Louis Kalinga is reporting from Liverpool, United Kingdom