Gor Mahia interim coach is aiming to have a record number of players represent the national side during the 2024 CHAN tournament.
Gor Mahia interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno is determined to recreate the glory of the 1997 Gor Mahia squad, a team that set a record for the highest number of players representing the Kenyan national side.
With the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) now rescheduled for August, Otieno sees an opportunity to inspire his players to achieve a similar feat.
“I think for our players, it was going to be a very good opportunity to showcase their talent in Africa’s second-biggest stage. Now that it is postponed again, they have to reignite themselves, stay focused, and work towards impressing the national team selectors by August. God-willing, we hope to have a big number of players in the squad for CHAN because that is what Gor Mahia is about,” said Otieno.
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Reflecting on the past, Otieno recalled the remarkable 1997 All-Africa Games finals when Gor Mahia contributed nine players to the national team.
“That’s what we’re working towards as a group,” he added. “We want to motivate our players to represent the country on home soil and earn their place in the team. They have the time to prepare and prove themselves.”
The 2024 CHAN tournament, which features players competing exclusively from their respective domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
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The defending champions have not tasted league action since December 22, 2024.
Kenya will leverage its home advantage with matches held at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
During the official draw held on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya was placed in Group A alongside formidable opponents Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia.
The group promises to deliver exciting matchups, with Kenya’s players eager to make their mark in front of a home crowd.
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AFC Leopards will hope that their midweek go-slow has not affected their morale and preparations as they host FC Talanta on Saturday, seeking to move up to fourth place.
The postponement of CHAN provides Kenyan players an extended period to prepare and make a compelling case for their inclusion in the national team.
Otieno remains optimistic about their chances, emphasizing the importance of hard work, discipline, and unity in achieving their goals.
“This is a golden opportunity for our players to shine, and we’re doing everything we can to support them,” he concluded.
As Kenya gears up for its hosting duties, the country will look to Gor Mahia and other FKF Premier League clubs to provide a strong foundation for national team success in what promises to be a landmark tournament for East Africa.
