Gor Return Home From Historic, Eye-Opening UK Tour

NAIROBI, Kenya- A historic week of highs and lows for SportPesa Premier League winners Gor Mahia FC closed on Saturday morning when they landed back home from their landmark tour of the United Kingdom.

The team minus head coach Dylan Kerr touches down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in the early hours of the day, weary but inspired from the unforgettable experience they had in England.

Kerr, who led the club to their second successive SPL crown last season, remained in his native UK to spend time with his family and is expected in Kenya on November 20 to lead the charge for another fruitful season.

The highlight of K'Ogalo's  ground-breaking tour to England was on Tuesday night (November 6) when they fell 0-4 to hosts and English Premier League opposition, Everton FC.

Despite the heavy defeat, Gor skipper Harun Shakava said the humbling result and other stops during the visit that marked them out as the first East African team to play EPL opposition in England has ignited the desire to hunt for more silverware in the domestic season that kicks off on December 8.

“The entire trip was fantastic. From the day we left, to the training facilities and the experience to play on such a pitch. We are truly grateful.

“Now that we’re back, we plan to correct the mistakes we made as we await the chance to defend our SPL crown,” captain Harun Shakava charged.

Gor departed Nairobi on November 2 for their whirlwind trip that besides taking on Everton at the iconic Goodison Park, the team also got to enjoy the state of art facilities at the Blues’ USM Finch Farm training complex.

They were also given a guided tour of the ‘Everton in the Community’ project that has impacted on the lives of many in the city of Liverpool where the nine-time English league winners are based.

English opponents

The Gor contingent visited another English opponent they played in Nairobi in May, Championship outfit, Hull City FC, on Wednesday with some crossing over Stanley Park to tour Anfield, the home of Everton local rivals Liverpool FC.

“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the players and technical bench. Despite the loss, we are better because of it,” club assistant head coach, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno told SportPesa News at the JKIA moments after touchdown.

The record 17-time domestic league winners spent their last day abroad on Friday touring the landmark city of Liverpool and shopping for their loved ones back home, who were very pleased to meet them upon their arrival.

Gor got the opportunity to travel to the UK after beating Tanzanian champions Simba SC 2-0 to retain their SportPesa Cup title in Nakuru.

Dignitaries such as former Prime Minister and club Patron, Raila Odinga, Principal Secretary for Sport, Kirimi Kaberia, Siaya Senator James Orengo, former presidential candidate and Gatanga MP, Peter Kenneth were some of the political and government bigwigs who travelled to witness the momentous occasion in Liverpool.

Title-partners and leading Africa bookmakers top officials led by Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ronald Karauri and club chairman, Ambrose Rachier were other dignitaries present for the trip dubbed ‘Gor in Everton’.

“The exposure, hard work and determination that they have shown shouldn’t be taken for granted. We are all proud of what they have achieved,” Karauri who expressed their delight for providing such a platform to the most-decorated club in the country underscored.