This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
Gor Mahia head coach Hassan Oktay has distanced himself from the transfer saga involving Rwandese midfielder Djabel Imanishimwe ahead of the Cecafa Kagame Cup Group D match against AS Ports on July 10, 2019.
Imanishimwe's signing appeared to be a replacement for Kenyan international Francis Kahata, who recently signed with Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
Oktay told Standard Sports, 'I really don't know if the club management tried to sign the player (Djabel). But as far as I'm concerned we are looking for a striker to replace Tuyisenge (Jacques) and not midfielders.'
He further stated, 'But honestly speaking, I don't know anything about Djabel. I'm hearing this for the first time here.'
Three of Gor's new signings, midfielder Tobias Otieno, Dickson Ambundo, and Dennis Oalo, made their debut in Monday's 2-1 victory over Congolese side AS Maniema at the Omuganda Stadium.
Even though the pressure is on the Turkish-Cypriot born tactician to end the club's 34-year Cecafa glory drought, he said they are using the tournament as part of their preseason training.
He added, 'I'm sorry to say this, but I'm not taking this tournament very seriously. I'm just using it to build our fitness levels and mental strength ahead of our busy season.'
