by Adam Mbwana from DAR-ES-SALAAM, Tanzania

With all attention in Tanzania firmly set on English Premier League (EPL) heavyweights Everton FC and their star attraction Wayne Rooney, spare a thought for Thursday opponents, Gor Mahia FC.

The proud Kenyan giants are not used to playing second fiddle in East Africa where they stand as one of the most decorated clubs in the region with 15 domestic and five regional titles.

Throughout their chequered history, K’Ogalo have never shied from the big occasion and they do not come any bigger than the honour of being the first team from this part of the world to lock horns with an EPL side when they play the Blues at the National Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam.

Before turning to pitch matters however, there is the little internal issue of who gets to keep Rooney’s prized jersey after the game.

Reports from Gor’s dressing room indicated everyone from club Chairman, Ambrose Rachier to the kit-man are scrambling to own the former England captain and EPL giants Manchester United FC record goal scorer’s clothing.

While who gets Rooney’s jersey will be an intriguing subplot to the game, there is no doubt Gor are fired up to have their name in the lights when they line up against Ronald Koeman and his star-studded Toffees.

Kagere top scored at the July 5 to 11, 2017 SportPesa Super Cup, with three goals that led them to win the first edition of the tournament and earn the right to play Everton in a competition Gor were without eight of their regulars on national team duty.

As hundreds of his fellow supporters who went through the entire set of their warrior songs backing him up, the devoted Gor fan added they were confident their team would nullify the threat of Everton star man Rooney.

“We didn’t concede a single goal in SP Super Cup and we will maintain that solid defense today. Rooney won’t be able to bring trouble because the age has catch up with him thus why he was released for free by Manchester United.

“Bonny (Boniface) Odhiambo was not part of the winning team as well as Musa Mohamed the skipper. Kagere was a bit injured not to mention George Odhiambo ‘Blackberry’ who was not in his top form.

“This time we have young and talented players like Maloba and every other key player is here so, we are going to beat them for sure,” Owiti stressed.

He was part of the contingent of Gor supporters from the Kenyan lakeside city who were sponsored to attend the match by Kisumu Governor, Jack Ranguma.