Our players were available for international duty, Gor Mahia CEO

Gor Mahia CEO Raymond Oruo has responded to Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy’s claims that the club did not avail their players for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Oruo noted that the club followed the Fifa regulations on player release for international duty and believes the rules should cut across Kenyan clubs.

“I saw the statement from Harambee Stars head coach McCarthy after the match against Gabon. The coach and the Kenyan federation know the regulations governing the release of players for international duty. Our clubs should not be treated any differently,” Said Oruo.

He added that the club made its players available after their match against Bandari on March 15 after requesting to have them play the crucial tie. 

“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 against Kariobangi Sharks,”  added Oruo.

KO’gallo had six players initially called up for national duty, namely, captain Austin Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija,  Ronney Onyango, Ben Stanley Omondi, Alpha Onyango,  and Lawrence Juma.

Gor and Tusker are both chasing the KPL league title. The brewers had also requested to have their players Brian Opondo, Chris Erambo, Eric Balecho and Ryan Ogam for their match against Posta Rangers on March 14, 2025.

KO’gallo beat Bandari 2-0, while Tusker also harmed Posta Rangers 2-1.

However, McCarthy dropped all the regular stars players with only Rooney Onyango, who is on trials in Norway making the cut for the World Cup qualifiers against Gambia in Abidjan and Gabon in Nairobi.

Stars drew 3-3 with Gambia before falling 2-1 at home to Gabon.

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.

“When I arrived, I requested three days to evaluate some of the top players in the Kenyan league.“The players available during that period are the ones I selected, and you will be so lucky to get a call-up if I don’t watch you,” said McCarthy.

Despite the allegations, Oruo reaffirmed Gor Mahia’s commitment to supporting the national team in future assignments.

 “The club will continue supporting the national team's efforts and always avail them for international matches,” Oruo said. 

The poor results leave Stars mathematically out of the World Cup 2026 qualifier race as they maintained position four with six points from six matches in group F.

 African champions Ivory Coast lead the table with 16 points followed by Gabon on 15, while Burundi are third with seven points.