Kahata To Decide Future After AFCON As Simba Close In On Gor Star

NAIROBI, Kenya- Amid intense speculation about his future, Gor Mahia FC mercurial midfield star and three-time SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champion, Francis Kahata, declared he will decide his next move after playing for his country at the 2019 CAF Africa Nations Cup in Egypt.

Since joining the club after an underwhelming stint at Albanian side FK Tirana, Kahata has been the main creative force for the record Kenyan 18-time league champions, with Tanzanian giants Simba SC stating their intent to reunite him with former Gor teammate, Meddie Kagere.

Kagere left Gor mid last season to inspire the Wekundu wa Msimbazi to storm to the title at the expense of fiercest rivals Yanga SC, fast becoming a fan legend with the Uganda born Rwanda forward earning the moniker, MK14.

A potential dream pairing of Kagere with Kahata is said to be the top agenda of Simba's top brass after both players led Gor to two SPL and two SportPesa Cup titles before the former made an acrimonious exit from the Kenyan titans. 

Speaking to SportPesa News after receiving his third straight league winner's medal on Saturday where Gor drew 1-1 with Posta Rangers FC, Kahata attempted to cool the temperatures on his impending departure to focus first on their last SPL assignment before he joins the Harambee Stars squad that will travel to France on May 31 for their three-week AFCON training camp in France.

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“From next month I'm a free agent and I can sign for any club that shows interest but that does not mean that I don’t want to stay at Gor,” Kahata who is also being reportedly courted by Algerian giants, USM Alger stated.

Last season, a move to Algeria for the talented midfielder fell through before he picked himself up to star yet again for Gor who cantered to the league crown and sailed for the first time to the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederations Cup, losing out to eventual beaten finalists RS Berkane of Morocco.

After signing his extension at Simba, Belgian head coach, Patrick Aussems, announced he was keen to add Kahata- the former National Super League side Thika United FC star- to his title winning side that has set sights in conquering Africa by winning the CAF Champions League next season having also sailed to the last eight of the premier continental club competition.

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In February this year, Kahata scored once and assisted another as Gor downed NA Hussein Dey at the Kasarani Stadium to catapult them to the top of their CAF Confed Cup Group D.

“As a player, I have won three consecutive league titles and it is time for a new challenge. However, that does not mean I do not want to stay at the club, it is just that the management has not approached me over a contract extension.

Contrasting fortunes

He hailed the Green Army faithful for taking to him and his teammates as the most storied club in the land endured contrasting fortunes since he joined them three seasons ago.

“Our fans have been supportive, they have given us a perfect playing environment and I owe them everything. They have stuck with us in good and bad times, and it is difficult to imagine what we could have achieved without them," the creative midfielder underlined.

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“I have been at the club and I love it, but the officials have to show they want me around as well,” the Kenya international added, throwing down the gauntlet to Gor who will be weighing whether to cash in on the crowd favourite and best creative midfielder.

With Simba lurking, Gor's resolve to keep Kahata will be tested to the limits, with the Tanzanian giants who secured their 19th crown last Monday hoping to lure the talented midfielder and join Kagere who has plundered 35 goals in 53 matches since switching the green jersey for the red and white.

“I admire the player (Kahata) very much and I have been following him for a very long time now. I have watched some of his video clips while turning out for Gor Mahia in the local league and the Caf competitions and he is a complete player, who can help Simba do well next season,” Aussem is quoted by Sport BC. 

Turkish tactician Hassan Oktay, who guided Gor to a record-extending 18th league crown, earlier admitted that he could not afford to lose both Kahata and Rwandese forward Jacques Tuyisenge, who has also been heavily linked with a move away from K'Ogalo with Angolan heavyweights, Petro Atletico de Luanda submitting a stated KSh15m bid.

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Skipper Harun Shakava who became the most decorated player in the SPL, having won five league titles since 2014 is the other Gor luminary with questions surrounding his future.

Kahata's spot in Stars head coach Sebastien Migne's final AFCON squad is secured where Kenya will be making their return for 15 years while Tuyisenge's Rwanda missed out on the party.