Gor Mahia has responded to claims made by Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, who accused the club, along with Tusker FC, of refusing to release players for the national team’s World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.Players from both clubs missed the two crucial qualification matches after failing to attend training sessions ahead of the team’s departure for Abidjan to face Gabon. The only Gor Mahia player to feature in the matches was Rooney Onyango, who had flown in from Norway, where he was on trials. The matches resulted in a 3-3 draw against Gambia and a 2-1 home loss to Gabon.Benni McCarthy explains reason for not calling up Gor Mahia, Tusker playersIn a post-match interview following the Gabon loss at Nyayo Stadium, McCarthy criticized the two clubs for withholding their players outside the official FIFA window. Both Gor Mahia and Tusker had requested to use their players in domestic league matches before releasing them for national duty. During the break, Tusker faced Posta Rangers, while Gor Mahia played Bandari FC.“When I arrived, I requested three days to evaluate some of the top players in the Kenyan league,” McCarthy explained. “The players available during that period are the ones I selected. Gor Mahia and Tusker asked for permission to keep their players, and we agreed. But I can’t select players I haven’t seen in action or know nothing about, which is why none of them were in the squad.”Aubameyang’s message to Kenyan fans after sinking Harambee StarsGor Mahia CEO Raymond Oruo has now addressed McCarthy’s claims. He noted that the club followed the regulations regarding player release for national duty and emphasized that Kenyan clubs should not be treated differently.“I’ve seen the statement from the Harambee Stars head coach after the match against Gabon. The coach and FKF are well aware of the regulations governing the release of players for international duty. Our clubs should not be treated any differently,” Oruo stated.He went on to clarify that the club made its players available after their match against Bandari on 15th March. Oruo further suggested that McCarthy might have already decided the Gor Mahia players weren’t part of his plans, having watched them in a previous match against Kariobangi Sharks.Harambee Stars midfielder reveals why he chose Kenya over Australia“Our players were available immediately after the Bandari game. If the coach decided they were surplus to his requirements, then he should just say so, as he had the chance to watch them in a competitive league match.”Oruo concluded by reaffirming Gor Mahia’s commitment to supporting the national team: “The club will continue supporting the national team’s efforts.”The Gor Mahia players who were initially called up to the national team include Ronney Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Lawrence Juma, Ben Stanley Omondi, Alpha Onyango, and Austin Odhiambo.##NAJAVA_MECA_8801128##
