Ng’ang’a on how Gor Mahia can seal maiden CAF Champions League appearance

FKFPL Ng’ang’a on how Gor Mahia can seal maiden CAF Champions League appearance

Mark Kinyanjui 08:00 - 17.07.2023

Ng’ang’a wants his teammates to look beyond just being dominant domestically and become a bigger force to be reckoned with in the Champions League.

Gor Mahia defender Dennis Ng’ang’a has challenged his teammates to get rid of the participating mentality and wear a competitor’s mindset as they prepare for next season’s CAF Champions League campaign.

K'Ogalo qualified for the showpiece for the first time since 2020, and with the new regulations preventing a side relegated from the competition in the preliminary stages from taking part in the Confederation Cup next season, they will have their work cut out in order to at least reach the group stages for the first time in their history.

Ng’ang’a wants his teammates to look beyond just being dominant domestically and become a bigger force to be reckoned with internationally.

“We are able. As players, we live for these challenges. We all want to play in these big competitions. We are going to try and deliver when we get to the competition. ” Ng’ang’a told Skilz TV.

“Gor Mahia are the only team that have ever won a CAF competition. Every year is always a challenge. We want to make a statement by not just being participants, but being competitors to go as far as we can in that competition.”

Head coach Johnathan McKinstry revealed plans to make the team competitive enough for next season in order to make the group stage dream a reality.

“To be successful, you need at least 16 players who are really competitively competing for the starting XI. We expect 16 to 18 players who no matter who starts in the eleven will be comfortable. The other six to seven will be development players who will be key in the next two to three years.

“If we do that, we can reach the group stages of the Champions League (minimum).”

Ng’ang’a was a standout performer in the recently concluded 2022/2023 season, with his performances at the heart of Sirkal’s defense winning the hearts of fans and neutrals alike.

Having signed for the club from Wazito FC in 2021, the left-footed defender, who also played for KCB has gradually moved from being a left-back to being a centre-back.

Many would have expected him to win the league’s Defender of the Year had FKF held an awards gala.