The participation of league players in amateur tournaments during league phase has drawn criticism from fans across the board.
Just after the Gor Mahia defeat against Nairobi City Stars, fans expressed their frustrations as to why some key players didn’t feature, yet they took part in a weekend league tournament days before. The fans wanted to know why they are available for their village tournament and not there for club duties.
Captain Philemon Otieno had to step in to calm down the frustrated fans but they made sure their voice was heard when they told the players to change their attitude or leave the club.
There has been a weekend league tournament on going for some time and this year, it seems that it is still on even during the national league phase. The league features clubs that have a combination of premier league, NSL and lower division players. It has a large fan base and has two clubs that have stood as the best in the recent past; a Mosquito FC and Zied FC.
The Gor Mahia players in question include; Enock Morrison, Austin Odhiambo, Paul Ochuoga, Musa Masika, Ronney Onyango, Sylvestre Owino and Chris Ochieng. Apart from Austin, Sylvester and Ronney who are out on international duty with the national team, the remaining four were axed from the matchday squad by Brazillian Leonardo Neiva on Monday.
The decision was to send a clear message that no one is above the club. This comes just weeks after Ronney Onyango was also axed from the squad for weeks including from the matchday squad in Cairo during their CAF Champions League return leg.
“Football is not just about the technical issues, it is also about mental, commitment, behaviour and attitude and that is why we do not like sometimes to put players out but what can we do?” the Brazilian said.
The participation of league players in amateur tournaments during league phase has drawn criticism from fans across the board. At AFC Leopards, fans pointed out that new signing Julius Masaba is barely in their matchday squad due to injury, but is always available for the Sunday League tourneys.
While engaging in amateur leagues can build the bonding between players and fans, it poses risks to their career. What if they get injured? With Gor Mahia taking disciplinary actions on their players, it remains to be seen how other clubs will respond.
Mathare United has also not been left behind as they are said t have suspended some of the players who were involved in the weekend leagues.