Gor Mahia’s potential move for Ugandan striker Charles Bbaale has sparked controversy, with former club official Sally Bolo questioning the decision to sign the forward. Reports indicate that Bbaale arrived in Kenya on Monday, fueling speculation about his move to the FKF Premier League giants. The club has been actively seeking to strengthen its squad, particularly in the attacking department, as they push for a stronger second half of the season. However, Bolo has voiced strong opposition, raising doubts about Bbaale’s current form and suitability for the club.
Bolo’s critique centers around the idea that any foreign player brought into Gor Mahia should be a current starter for their national team. In her opinion, the club must avoid signing players who are considered “average” and instead should target top-quality players who are already representing their countries at the highest level. She compared the potential signing of Bbaale to past signings of established players such as Khalid Aucho, Michael Olunga, and Meddie Kagere, all of whom had been key figures in both their national teams and the club. Bolo expressed frustration over the idea of signing players whose form has been lacking, as she believes this could undermine the club’s performance and aspirations.
Her criticism was specifically directed at Bbaale’s recent performances, particularly during his time at Rayon Sports in Rwanda. After joining the Rwandan club at the start of the 2023 season, Bbaale had an impressive start with Rayon Sports, playing a significant role in the team’s 2023 FERWAFA Super Cup victory. He scored a crucial goal in the 3-0 win over APR FC, which had earned him attention and admiration. However, his current season has been far less productive. Bbaale has struggled to find form, scoring only two league goals, and has spent much of the season on the bench, seeing limited playing time. His lack of consistent contributions on the field has raised questions about his readiness for a move to a top-tier club like Gor Mahia.
Bolo’s concerns are rooted in the idea that Gor Mahia has the financial resources and stature to attract better players. The club’s recent struggles in the attacking department have highlighted the need for reinforcements, but Bolo argues that bringing in a player like Bbaale, who has shown little in the way of consistent form, would be a step backward for the club. She expressed her belief that Gor Mahia should be aiming higher, stating that the club should not settle for mediocrity when they have the capacity to bring in top-tier talent. The suggestion that Bbaale’s signing could represent a decline from previous successful foreign acquisitions was one of the key points of contention in Bolo’s argument.
Despite these concerns, Gor Mahia seems to be pressing forward with their interest in Bbaale. The club has reportedly seen potential in the Ugandan forward and believes he could help solve their current attacking issues. With the club sitting third in the FKF Premier League table, trailing leaders Kenya Police and Tusker by eight points, Gor Mahia remains focused on reinforcing their squad for the second half of the season. The club’s management is hopeful that Bbaale can add depth and strength to their forward line, which has been an area of concern for them in recent matches.
It remains to be seen whether the deal will materialize, but the club’s determination to pursue Bbaale reflects their ambition to stay competitive and challenge for the league title. Gor Mahia’s management will have to carefully weigh the concerns raised by Bolo and others who question the move, while also considering the potential that Bbaale could bring to the team. As the season progresses, Gor Mahia will be hoping that any new signings can help them close the gap at the top of the table and reclaim their place as the top team in Kenyan football.
