Gor Mahia vow to withhold portion of salaries after players go on unjustified strike

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have made it clear that they will not tolerate the insubordination shown by a majority of their players who refused to train for two days in demand of ungrounded bonuses for winning the 23/24 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title.

A large section of the playing unit failed to train on Saturday 27 July and Monday 29 July as they demanded for the club’s management to show some appreciation for their efforts after they steered the club to their 21st league title.

According to the players, they wanted to be given a share of the 5 million bonus the club received from FKF for winning the league.

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However, the club has firmly resolved not to engage with the players on that front considering their demands are not captured anywhere in their contracts.

In a letter seen by SportPesa News, Secretary General Samuel Ochola sent a warning to a majority of players who refused to disembark from the team bus despite travelling to their training base in Thika.

“It has been noted and reported that you willfully refused to attend the Club's training on the diverse dates between Saturday 27th July, 2024 and Tuesday 30th July, 2024; and instead staged a sit in at the training ground at Mpesa Foundation in Thika-Kiambu County.

Noted under the terms of your contract with the Club, you are under the obligation to abide by the Club rules and regulations, including taking and adhering to instructions from the Team Manager in matters relating to administrative issues.

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You are equally under the obligation to maintain high level of discipline both in the pitch and off the pitch inclusive of during training. In this respect, you are in violation of the club's values, hence a fundamental breach of your contract with the Club,” a section of the letter sent on Tuesday read.

The players were further asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for their actions even as the club noted that they would withhold a portion of their salary over the days they missed training.

“You are hereby required to show cause in writing within 48 Hrs of the date of this letter why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for being in violation of Clause 6 of your contract with the Club and Article 14 of FIFA's Regulations of the Status and Transfer of Players.

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As a consequence, be notified that the Club will withhold the portion of your monthly salary, allowance and all pecuniary benefits accruable over the period and/or dates in which you have been and continue to be absent.

Failure to submit an explanation or response by the stipulated date, the Club will proceed to take a decision without further reference to you,” the letter concluded.

The strike by the Gor Mahia players left the team’s plans of travelling to Nigeria for the Coal City International Tournament in limbo.

K’Ogalo had been scheduled to face Brazilian giants Corinthians on Friday 2 August, play against Coton FC of Benin on Sunday 4 August, and conclude their matches against Nigeria's Remo Stars on Tuesday 6 August.

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