This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Gor Mahia's CAF Champions League trip to Algeria hangs in the balance after a fundraiser held in Nairobi last evening failed to meet its Sh5 million target.
According to Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier, the fundraiser managed to raise less than Sh1 million in cash and pledges, leaving the team with a significant budget deficit.
The team is scheduled to play USM Alger in a CAF Champions League second-round clash in four days' time, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to travel to Algeria due to the financial constraints.
Rachier expressed his concerns, stating that most of the team's dependable guests failed to attend the fundraiser, leaving the club in a state of confusion.
He added that the players are already experiencing problems paying off their rents due to unpaid August salaries, and the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
The chairman is now appealing to well-wishers to help the team travel to Algeria, as failure to do so may attract a hefty penalty from the continental football body (CAF), including monetary fines and suspension from continental matches.
Gor Mahia reached the second round of the CAF Club Championship after defeating Burundi's Aigle Noir 5-1 on aggregate, and the team is eager to continue their campaign in the competition.
However, the team's financial struggles have raised questions about the sustainability of Kenya's football teams, with many relying on well-wishers to fund their activities.
