Gor Mahia has publicly addressed accusations from Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, who recently claimed that both Gor Mahia and Tusker FC failed to release players for the national team’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
The absence of key players from both clubs was felt in the matches, with only Gor Mahia’s Rooney Onyango participating after returning from trial duties in Norway.
In their last outings, Kenya faced Gambia in a thrilling 3-3 draw and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Gabon. Commenting on the matches, McCarthy expressed his dissatisfaction with the club's decisions during a post-match interview at Nyayo Stadium. He noted that the clubs had opted to retain their players outside of the official FIFA window, which adversely affected his selection process.
“When I arrived, I requested three days to evaluate some of the top players in the Kenyan league. The players available during that period are the ones I selected. Gor Mahia and Tusker asked for permission to keep their players, and we agreed. But I can't select players I haven’t seen in action or know nothing about, which is why none of them were in the squad," he said.
In response, Gor Mahia’s CEO Raymond Oruo firmly defended the club's actions, asserting that they adhered to the established guidelines for player releases for international duty. He emphasized that Kenyan clubs should not be held to different standards compared to others.
“I’ve seen the statement from the Harambee Stars head coach after the match against Gabon. The coach and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) are well aware of the regulations governing the release of players for international duty. Our clubs should not be treated any differently," Oruo remarked.
He clarified that the club made its players available following their domestic match against Bandari FC on March 15. He further speculated that McCarthy may have already discounted Gor Mahia players from consideration.
“Our players were available immediately after the Bandari game. If the coach decided they were surplus to his requirements, then he should just say so, as he had the chance to watch them in a competitive league match,” he explained.
Concluding his remarks, Oruo reiterated Gor Mahia's commitment to supporting the national team’s initiatives.
The players initially called up for national duty from Gor Mahia included Ronney Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Lawrence Juma, Ben Stanley Omondi, Alpha Onyango, and Austin Odhiambo.
