Gor Mahia coach explains Siraj Mohammed’s FKF exit to Tusker FC

Gor Mahia finished first in the 2025 FKF Premier League with 69 points from 34 matches, while defender Siraj Mohammed has left the club for Tusker FC on a season-long loan. Coach Charles Akonnor says the move followed the player’s request for more regular playing time, rather than any dispute between them.

Siraj joined Gor Mahia in August 2025 after previously playing for Bandari. He found it difficult to secure a regular place in Akonnor’s side and spent the second half of last season on loan at KCB before returning for pre-season.

The left-back was included in Gor Mahia’s squad for the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Rwanda. Akonnor said Siraj performed well in his first match at the competition and that he had discussed the defender’s future with him, including the possibility of receiving more opportunities.

After the squad returned to Kenya, Siraj again told the coach that he wanted to leave. Akonnor said he had been surprised by the decision because he believed the player could compete for a place and had already assured him that chances would come.

The coach said the club eventually accepted the request after Tusker submitted a formal letter. He rejected suggestions that personal problems had influenced the departure, stressing that his expectation was for every player to meet Gor Mahia’s performance demands.

Siraj’s exit leaves Bryton Onyona as Gor Mahia’s only natural left-back. Daniel Sakari, Paul Ochuoga and Lewis Bandi can also operate in that position, giving Akonnor other options as the champions manage the change.

Gor Mahia’s league record was built on 20 wins, nine draws and five defeats, with 50 goals scored and 22 conceded. Their recent sequence has included defeats by Vipers and Nairobi United, a 5-0 win at APR, a goalless draw at Mara Sugar and a 3-1 victory at Murang’a SEAL. Their next fixture is against Al Assiouty Sport in the CAF Champions League on 5 September 2026.