Exclusive: Why Akena Left Europe for Kenyan champions Gor Mahia

Ugandan midfielder Chris Pius Akena has disclosed why he ditched Greek club Apollo Pontou, in the off-season transfer window, for record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia.

Akena caught many by surprise after leaving European football for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, a competition that is still struggling to find its footing post the coronavirus pandemic.

The skillful midfielder was expected to either remain in Europe or return to Asian football after cutting ties with Pontou; however, he signed for the most successful football club on Kenyan soil.

SportsBoom caught up with Akena, who lifted the lid on what compelled him to make the career decision which sports pundits observed was a downgrade and a gamble that could go either way.

GOR MAHIA IS A BIG CLUB

Akena conceded to have encountered difficulties in turning down the offer Gor Mahia tabled soon after learning of his availability in the past transfer window.

The 22-year-old said Gor Mahia's profile, the deeply-rooted winning culture, and the fact that it is the sole club from the CECAFA region to have clinched a continental tournament won his heart.

"It goes without saying that Gor Mahia is one of the biggest clubs in the East Africa region. It is the only club to ever win a continental title and when they called, I couldn't turn them down. It is a respected club that rarely finishes a season without winning a title, and this also formed a basis for my decision," said Akena in a telephone interview with SportsBoom.

The Qatar Aspire Academy graduate further conceded that the allure of featuring in the CAF Champions League also informed his decision to sign for the Green Army.

Gor represented Kenya in the Champions League by virtue of being the league winners but their quest for a place in the group stages was scuttled by defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt.

K'Ogalo, who were making a return to the Champions League after three years in the cold, lost 6-0 on aggregate to the Red Devils, to exit the tournament at the second preliminary round.

Even though he didn't feature in Gor's brief sojourn, Akena said being part of the tournament was one of the reasons behind his shocking transfer to the club.
 

GOR MAHIA STAGE WILL PROPEL ME BACK TO UGANDA CRANES

Even though he is yet to fully settle in at his new workstation, the former AL- Rams midfielder is counting on his success at the club to help him find his way to the national team.

Before his move to Gor, Akena had managed to secure two caps with the Uganda Cranes and hopes to add more in the New Year.

Akena secured the two caps in 2021 when Coach Milutin Sredojevic summoned him for two international friendly matches against; Gabon and Mauritania.

GOR MAHIA STAGE WILL PROPEL ME BACK TO UGANDA CRANES

Even though he is yet to fully settle in at his new workstation, the former AL- Rams midfielder is counting on his success at the club to help him find his way to the national team.

Before his move to Gor, Akena had managed to secure two caps with the Uganda Cranes and hopes to add more in the New Year.

Akena secured the two caps in 2021 when Coach Milutin Sredojevic summoned him for two international friendly matches against; Gabon and Mauritania.