Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno is set to part ways with the club at the end of the current season when his contract expires. The emotional toll of leaving one of Kenya’s biggest football clubs after years of dedication is something Otieno has openly acknowledged. Despite a six-month contract extension that kept him with the team until the end of the season, he remains focused on ending his tenure on a high note.
Otieno, who joined Gor Mahia in 2017, has been a key figure in the team for several years, contributing to the club’s domestic success. He has won six league titles with Gor Mahia, cementing his place as a mainstay in the squad. The decision to extend his contract was partly influenced by the uncertainty surrounding fellow defender Ronney Onyango’s future at the club. Onyango had been rumored to be leaving for Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars, though the move collapsed, leaving Gor Mahia with some uncertainty about their defensive options. With only six months remaining on Onyango’s contract, the club sought to ensure it had sufficient depth for the remainder of the season.
While Otieno’s position on the field, primarily at right-back, has been limited in recent seasons, with Onyango often preferred in that role, he continues to play a crucial leadership role in the squad. As captain, Otieno is not only expected to lead by example on the field but also to provide experience and mentorship to younger players, ensuring the team maintains its competitive edge. The departure of both Otieno and midfielder Ernest Wendo, who has also seen his contract extended temporarily, would be a significant blow for Gor Mahia, as their long-term involvement with the team has brought stability to the dressing room.
The veteran defender’s time at Gor Mahia, however, has not been without its challenges. Otieno’s career faced a major setback in 2019 when he suffered a serious knee injury while representing Kenya in the 2020 Africa Nations Championship qualifiers. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sidelined him for an extended period, but his recovery and subsequent return to the pitch are testament to his resilience and commitment to the sport.
Otieno has also represented Kenya at the international level, making his mark with the Harambee Stars in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. He played in three matches during the tournament, further solidifying his reputation as one of Kenya’s most dependable defenders. His time at Gor Mahia has, however, been the defining part of his career, with the club offering him a platform to showcase his talents and lead at the highest levels of Kenyan football.
As the season progresses, Otieno remains determined to leave a lasting legacy at the club. Despite Gor Mahia being six points behind league leaders Kenya Police, with a game in hand, Otieno’s focus remains on securing another league title for the club. His commitment to the cause reflects his deep love for the club and his desire to leave on a high note, having contributed to its continued dominance in Kenyan football. “I would love to leave Gor Mahia honourably, having won the title. I have won several titles with the club, so that would be a bonus,” Otieno said in a recent interview.
Leaving Gor Mahia, a club he describes as “family,” will not be easy for the captain. The emotional ties he has built over the years with the club and its fans will make his departure a bittersweet experience. For Otieno, leaving the club will not only be the end of a chapter but also a blow, as he has dedicated a significant part of his career to Gor Mahia. Nevertheless, he understands that this is part of the football journey, and his focus remains on helping the club achieve success in the remaining months of the season. Otieno’s legacy, both on and off the pitch, is firmly entrenched in Gor Mahia’s history, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
