Kigali, Rwanda - Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has outlined the thinking behind the club’s busy transfer window, pointing to late-season player fatigue last term as a key reason for strengthening the squad.
“Last season, we relied a lot on certain players and when we got to the end of the season, we realised that some of them were tired,” Akonnor said. “Some of them are not used to the level of games and it was necessary for us to strengthen the team. I think to be honest, we have covered a lot of areas.”
With Gor Mahia preparing for a demanding season that includes the CAF Champions League, domestic title defence and regional competitions, the coach stressed the need for greater squad depth and rotation.
The new signings made an immediate impact on Friday as K’Ogalo thrashed hosts APR FC 5-0 in their Group A opener at the Amahoro Stadium. Akonnor highlighted the contributions of recent arrivals, noting that the high-intensity victory provided a useful platform for the newcomers to settle into the team’s style of play.
Gor Mahia next face Vipers SC on 27 July before meeting Garde Républicaine later in the group stage as they look to build on their strong start in Rwanda.