Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno believes that their recent experience in the CAF Champions League will play a pivotal role in their quest to defend their FKF Premier League title. As the team prepares for the new season and a tough opener against newly promoted Mathare United, Otieno expresses confidence that the lessons learned during their difficult Champions League campaign will give them an advantage in domestic competition.
Despite facing a significant challenge during their African campaign, which ended in a 6-0 aggregate defeat to defending champions Al Ahly, Otieno sees the journey as valuable. Gor Mahia, also known as K’Ogalo, fell 3-0 at home in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium, and then suffered a similar 3-0 loss in the return fixture in Cairo. It was a sobering experience, marked by internal difficulties, including the exclusion of key players like Rooney Onyango due to disciplinary issues. However, Otieno remains optimistic, highlighting that playing against top-tier teams in Africa has been a crucial learning opportunity for the team.
Otieno stressed that the experience of facing a club of Al Ahly’s caliber has provided the players with a sense of what it takes to compete at the highest level. As the team looks forward to the FKF Premier League, he believes that the exposure to top-quality opposition in Africa will sharpen their focus and performance on the domestic front. “We have learned our lesson from the competition where we played a high-level team, and it is about time we use the experience we got and apply it to the league,” Otieno explained.
Gor Mahia has faced a turbulent offseason since winning the league title in June. The club had to navigate a managerial change, with former coach Johnathan McKinstry leaving and Brazilian Leo Neiva taking over as the new head coach. Neiva’s arrival has been met with both anticipation and pressure, as the club’s form in regional competitions under his stewardship has been underwhelming. They were eliminated in the group stage of the CECAFA Kagame Cup and missed out on the inaugural Cole City Cup, raising concerns about the team’s readiness for the new domestic season.
Internal strife also plagued the team during this period, with players staging a strike over prize money, though the issue was eventually resolved internally. Despite these challenges, the squad has remained focused on their preparations for the new season, eager to defend their FKF Premier League title and continue their legacy as the most successful club in Kenyan football.
One of the few bright moments in an otherwise difficult offseason came during the early stages of the CAF Champions League. Gor Mahia delivered an emphatic 5-1 victory over South Sudan’s El Merreikh Beintu in the second leg of the first preliminary round. Otieno pointed to this match as evidence of the team’s potential when they play with the right mentality and execution. He emphasized that the team must now focus on translating the positives from their continental campaign into their domestic efforts.
The FKF Premier League season opener against Mathare United will be a key test for Gor Mahia. Mathare United, having been promoted back to the top flight, is a team with a proud history but has struggled to regain momentum since their return. They have managed just two draws and one defeat in their opening games, which positions them as underdogs going into the clash against the reigning champions.
However, Otieno warned against underestimating Mathare United. He acknowledged that despite Gor Mahia’s favorable history with their opponents, Mathare remains a competitive team capable of causing an upset. “Our history with Mathare is not bad, but despite that, they remain a good team, and that is why they are back in the league. We have to be perfect in all departments for us to get maximum points and start the season on a high note,” said Otieno.
Starting the season strongly is a priority for Gor Mahia, particularly in light of their desire to continue dominating the local league. The club has a long and storied history of success, having won a record 21 FKF Premier League titles. Otieno made it clear that their ambition is to extend that record by securing a 22nd league title, and to do so, they must approach each game with the same intensity and focus that has made them a powerhouse in Kenyan football.
One of the key aspects of Gor Mahia’s strategy for the upcoming season will be how they handle the challenges posed by a long and demanding campaign. In addition to domestic competitions, they will continue to participate in continental tournaments like the CAF Confederation Cup, which means managing player fatigue and squad rotation will be essential. With a relatively young squad and new signings still adjusting to the team, head coach Leo Neiva will need to strike a balance between maintaining consistency and ensuring that all players are fit and ready for the challenges ahead.
Despite some of the recent struggles, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the club. The appointment of Leo Neiva has been seen as a bold move by the management, with the hope that the Brazilian’s fresh ideas and tactical acumen will take the team to new heights. Neiva, for his part, has spoken about his desire to bring an attacking, dynamic style of football to Gor Mahia, building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, McKinstry.
The fans, however, have had mixed reactions to some of the changes within the club. Recently, Gor Mahia unveiled their new kits for the 2024/2025 season, designed by Tanzanian fashion designer Sheria Ngowi. While the kits were intended to symbolize a fresh start, some supporters expressed dissatisfaction with the predominantly black design, describing it as “too much black.” The reaction highlighted the passion of the club’s fanbase, who are deeply invested in every aspect of the team’s identity.
As the season progresses, Gor Mahia will need to maintain a strong connection with their fans, whose unwavering support has been one of the club’s defining characteristics. The “Green Army,” as Gor Mahia supporters are known, has always played a crucial role in driving the team forward, especially during difficult periods. With a combination of experience, youthful energy, and tactical innovation, the club is hopeful that this season will be another successful chapter in their storied history.
Looking ahead, Otieno’s leadership on and off the pitch will be crucial to Gor Mahia’s ambitions. As captain, he not only sets the tone for the team but also serves as a bridge between the players and the coaching staff. His ability to inspire his teammates, coupled with his wealth of experience, will be key factors in how Gor Mahia navigates the challenges of the new season.
Ultimately, the club’s goals remain clear: to defend their FKF Premier League title, to compete effectively in continental competitions, and to continue solidifying their legacy as the most successful football club in Kenya. With a new coach, a renewed focus, and the lessons learned from their Champions League journey, Gor Mahia is poised to make another strong push for glory. The season opener against Mathare United will be the first step in what promises to be an exciting and challenging campaign for K’Ogalo.
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