Gor Mahia players are eager to make a big impression as they face off against Brazilian giants Corinthians in the Coal City Tournament

The Gor Mahia players are eagerly anticipating their match against Brazilian giants Corinthians FC in the opening game of the Coal City International Cup, scheduled for August 2 in Enugu, Nigeria.

Gor Mahia, Corinthians, and Coton FC of Benin will all be participating in the first edition of the tournament as guests. Interestingly, Coton FC is in the same pool as the other two clubs. Adding to the group is Remo Stars, who will be hosting Gor Mahia in the final game of the pool on August 6.

Similar to an auditor, the tournament presents the Kenyan champions with an ideal chance to make amends after a disappointing performance in the recently concluded CECAFA Kagame Cup, where the club was unable to secure a victory.

In addition, the platform will assist the club in improving its weaker areas and evaluating its readiness for the CAF Champions League.

Experiencing Corinthians dream come true

Playing against Corinthians in the opening group stage match of the tournament is definitely a cause for celebration among many Gor Mahia Stars.

Corinthians is a highly regarded club in Brazil and South America as a whole. However, Gor Mahia players, and Kenyan players in general, are well aware of the club’s reputation for producing talented players who have made a significant impact in European leagues.

Renowned football stars such as Rivaldo, Paulinho, Adriano, and Alexandre Pato have all had the privilege of starting their careers at Corinthians.

Gor Mahia assistant captain Geoffrey Ochieng is excited to face the team that is highly regarded by local football fans for its talent scouting abilities. I’m really looking forward to competing against them. We only come across their enduring rivalry with Palmeiras in the media. We also come across positive stories of the talented individuals who successfully go through their youth programs. He expressed his excitement about playing against them in an interview with SportsBoom.com.

Although the Brazilian side is undoubtedly the pre-match favorite, Ochieng is confident that Gor Mahia will not be intimidated by their reputation and accomplishments.

Ochieng, with his extensive experience representing the national team, is filled with confidence that Gor Mahia will create a triumphant tale once the final whistle blows. Our performance in the Kagame Cup was not up to par, considering that we had just started our pre-season. We gained momentum and had ample time to prepare. Confident in our abilities,” said the former Western Stima man.

Coach Leonardo Neiva’s influence

Although the Gor Mahia players may not be familiar with Corinthians’ playing style or philosophy, it is believed that coach Leonardo Neiva has a deep understanding of the team and their approach to the game.

K’Ogalo hired the Brazilian coach last month as a replacement for Johnathan McKinstry, the Northern Irishman whose contract had expired.

Centre back Sylvester Owino believes that the influence of Neiva, the new coach at Gor Mahia, will greatly contribute to achieving positive outcomes in the upcoming match against Corinthians. After our trip to the Kagame Cup, we finally comprehended his philosophy and what he expects from us as players. The defender expressed confidence that he will thoroughly prepare us for the game, as he possesses extensive knowledge about our opponents.

Owino, a two-time league winner with Gor Mahia, is also optimistic that the club will exceed expectations in the tournament. We need to ensure accuracy in Nigeria to enhance our confidence for the upcoming CAF Champions League. “Our preparations have been excellent, and I have full confidence that we will surpass our previous performance in the tournament,” said the former Kakamega Homeboyz player.

Improved outcomes will enhance trust prior to the Champions League. The two players believe that achieving positive outcomes in Nigeria will serve as a strong source of motivation for them to excel in the CAF Champions League. Gor Mahia is set to face off against South Sudanese champions El Merrikh Bentiu in the preliminary round.

The team that emerges victorious in the overall score will face the formidable Al Ahly of Egypt in the next round. Gor Mahia is making a comeback to the competition after a three-year absence.