Gor Mahia midfielder Enoch Morrison has opened up about what Al Ahly coaches and players told him following his impressive performances against the CAF Champions League title holders.
Several Ahly players and coaches were captured having a discussion with the defensive midfielder after the first leg of the second preliminary round hosted at the Nyayo National Stadium over a week ago.
The script was not different in the return leg held last weekend at the Cairo International Stadium as players and coaches approached the midfielder for talks.
Gor lost the first leg 3-0 and would suffer a similar defeat in Cairo, and consequently, crashed out of the tournament.
AHLY PLAYERS AND COACHES ASKED FOR CONTACTS
Morrison, in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom revealed that Ahly players and coaches requested his contacts after the match in Nairobi, an indication that they could be interested in his signature.
The Ghanaian said he was surprised to see Ahly players and coaches mill around him after the two matches and wax lyrical on his technical abilities and how seamless he was in dictating play. Besides asking for his contacts, the 24-year revealed that some Ahly coaches floated the idea of introducing him to a new player agency.
“They told me I am a good player and were happy with how I played both matches. They also asked for my contacts and my agency. Their inquiries didn’t shock me as football is about friendship and business,” Morrison told SportsBoom.com.
HOW MORRISON RESPONDED TO AHLY’S REQUESTS
While it is extremely difficult for a player to turn down interest from the most successful football club on the continent, Morrison disclosed that he informed Ahly officials that he was barely weeks old at Gor. K’Ogalo acquired the left-footed midfielder in August from Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko on a two-year-long deal.
Initially, there were doubts over his talent, but it seems Gor fans have changed their tune following his show against the Red Devils and El Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan. Morrison said he informed Ahly officials that he was contracted at Gor and should they consider moving for his signature in the next transfer window, K’Ogalo would have the final say.
“If they are interested in more than football friendship, they know the channel to follow. They know Gor Mahia office and who to approach in case they are interested in my signature,” he lifted the lid on the discussions.
MIDFIELDER WANTS TO LEAVE MARK AT GOR
Having been eliminated from the Champions League, Gor will turn focus to the domestic competitions which Morrison is yearning to make yet another impression. Gor will launch their title defence against the 2008 league winners Mathare United next Saturday and are expected to register for the Mozzart Bet Cup set for the second leg.
Morrison says he wants to be remembered as a midfielder who helped the club fully regain its glory and a player who helped the club win all titles on offer in the Kenyan elite competitions.
“I want to be remembered as a modern-day Gor legend. I am determined to win titles at this great club that has an amazing fan base. The start has been good and I am looking forward to the league action,” added the former King Faisal midfielder.
Gor have won the league in the past two seasons, under coach Johnathan McKinstry, and will be seeking to make it three in a row in the current campaign. The winner of the league will feature in next season’s Champions League while the cup winner will get a ticket to the Confederation Cup.