The future doesn't portend well for the goalkeeping department at reigning Kenyan champions Gor Mahia after first-choice custodian Gad Mathew threatened to dump the club on Wednesday.
Gad is fondly and vividly remembered for his exceptional exploits that saw him literally win a Caf Confederations Cup slot for Gor Mahia when he blocked two post-match penalties in their Betway Cup finals against arch-rivals AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium on July 4.
But after exclamations of joy following his top-notch performance, Mathew has found himself increasingly battling for life at K'Ogalo, with the future holding out a lot of uncertainties.
“I’m yet to receive the sign-on fee that I was promised when I joined Gor from Kisumu All Stars. I've gone for some months without pay now," said an exasperated Mathew in an exclusive interview with the Star.
"I have some bills to pay. I've been locked out of my abode on a number of occasions. It's also becoming hectic for me to attend training at Camp Toyoyo because I can hardly raise bus fare."
Mathew says all attempts to sort out the matter amicably with club officials have hit a snag given they always prove either elusive or nonchalant whenever he tries to reach out.
"I have made several unsuccessful attempts to get an assurance from the club officials that they are actually committed to resolving the matter. All I end up getting are unfulfilled promises," said Mathew.
The custodian joined K'Ogalo at the start of the season and has since nudged veteran keeper Boniface Oluoch aside to cement his slot in the first team.
The agile custodian who joined the side at the beginning of the 2020/2021 season, says he already has enticing offers on the table which he is meticulously studying before he can chart the way forward.
"There is no doubt about it. I've already been approached by quite a number of clubs and I might as well consider jumping ship if my concerns are not addressed promptly," he warned.
Club treasurer Dolphine Odhiambo chose to remain cagey about the issue, saying no player had approached her to raise any major concerns and until then she wouldn't want to delve much into the matter at hand.
"I'm yet to get any reports that there are players planning to desert the club over unpaid dues. Until they come out officially, it would be quite difficult for me to comment on this matter," said Dolphina.
Dolphina ruled out any possibility Gor's declining form had anything to do with the alleged unpaid dues.
"It has all to do with player fatigue. We have honoured congested fixtures this season and I believe that explains the poor results. With all fairness, the boys have been playing their hearts out. The results have nothing to do with the quality of our coach or players," said Dolphina.
Mathew's imminent departure could deal a further blow to the 18-time Kenyan champions, who have been left limping in the midfield after Kenneth Muguna found a new home at Tanzanian Premiership side, Azam.
