Players and Fans revel in historic feat

After a historic feat that saw Gor Mahia become the first team in the KPL era to end the league unbeaten, Gor Mahia have received plaudits and congratulations from various corners. Among the first to send Gor Mahia a congratulatory message was legendary Harambee Stars striker Joe Masiga who posted a simple message on his social media page: “Congratulations to Gor Mahia for winning the league unbeaten”. Masiga who played for AFC leopards for almost a decade was involved in legendary battles with current assistant coach Bobby Ogolla. Both playeed at the exact same time-frame. Whereas Masiga was a feared striker, Bobby Ogolla was the best central defender in Kenya. They were involved in epic battles at club level while at national level they teamed up to win three successive CECAFA senio challenge cup titles.

Also tweeting a congratulatory message was CORD leader Raila Odinga:

“Congratulations to Gor Mahia football club for winning the Kenya Premier League title in an outstanding fashion boasting an unblemished record of no defeats,” Odinga tweeted.

FKF aspirant Hussein Terry also sent a congratulatory message: “Winning the league without losing a single match is no mean feat. We have seen them display fantastic football all season and I think with the right preparations and support our clubs can make a mark at continental level.With the current crop of players they have what it takes to excel internationally. Their achievements at CECAFA speak volumes about their ability” said terry according to futaa.com

After the trophy presentation, Burundian right back Karim Nizigiyimana, spoke to the media.

“Coming to Gor Mahia early in the season, I knew it was a big club with great following but I never imagined we would win the title unbeaten. This is historic and will forever remain in my memory. Despite the off the pitch troubles we had, the players were very committed on the pitch and I want to thank our fans for their relentless support. We still have two more trophies to fight for and it is my hope that we will achieve our treble target this season. Frankly speaking, I don’t regret joining this great club and being part of the historic squad.” he said.

Nizigiyimana has surpassed all expectations this season. Aside from being a solid right back, his forays down the flanks and his inch perfect crosses resulted in numerous goals. He recorded more assists than anyone. This is quite an excellent feat for a full back.

Another player whose performance surpassed expectations was Musa Mohamed. Speaking to the media after the match, he lauded the coaches and the fans:

“We feel so good and we thank God for this moment. My team mates too have been good with the consistency all season and the coaches for the tactics and good motivation. All these and of course our fans have contributed to the success.  Personally, I am thankful to God for enabling me be fit enough to play in all the games in the season and I say it is good experience to me and my career to feature in all matches for a club like Gor Mahia. It is a very good feeling even to be able to lead this team,” he said.

Musa wore the captain’s armband for most of the season. And he rose to the occasion.  He has played for Kogalo longer than every other player except Jerim Onyango. This was his best season ever. So good was Musa that he often relegated Liberian international, Dirkir Glay to the bench.

Skipper Jerim Onyango played a leadership role throughout the season despite not seeing any playing time during the season. He maintained a positive attitude throughout and supported Boniface Oluoch without any complaints. He lauded his team-mates and the technical bench.

“It feels great; all this has come due to team work and commitment. Everyone has played their role and we did well. We say thank you to all who have enabled us get here. “To my team mates, technical bench and fans I say thank you, to finish it unbeaten was very special and it is also down to team work because we gave our all, no matter if you played or not, we all had a part to contribute,” said Jerim after the game.