1. George Odhiambo “Taffarel: A solid goalkeeper who would often step forward to take penalties. 2. Francis Akango “Jakambare”: A solid no nonsense fullback 3. Chris Wekesa: A burly fullback whose solid play in 2008 and 2009 saw him called to the national team 4. Eric Masika “PPO”: The youthful Masika was a crowd favourite in 2009 5. Julius Owino “Awilo”: A natural leader who captained club and country 6. Andrew Oyombe: Effectively shielded the defence and featured prominently for the national team and also played in Europe 7. Kenneth Omondi: Was voted Transparency cup MVP in 2005 8. Zablon Otieno “Pro”: Skillful left footed midfielder who was a brilliant playmaker. 9. Emmanuel Wakata: A free scoring attacker who later played in Rwanda 10 George Odhiambo “Blackberry”: His best years were between 2008 and 2010 when he was league MVP 11. Habil Otieno: An effective goal poacher who scored often from half chances.
Substitutes
Jacktone Odhiambo
Charles Odipo
Patrick Oyiengo “Adesh”,
Honorable Mention
Jimmy Bagaye, Robert Oluoko, Charles Odipo, Dan Onyango, Tony Onyango, Andrew Ongwae, Tom Odundo, Charles Ojwang, Nathan Munai, Steve Biko, Sylvanus Onyango, Bramwel Karamoja, Ibrahim Kitawi, Duncan Owiti “Macheda”, Stephen Ochola, Elisha Ochieno “Achach”, John Kiplagat
Victor Onyango: A brilliant goalkeeper yet full of drama Zedekiah Otieno: Overlapping right back who starred for both club and country and was coach of both club and country Tiellen Oguta: An uncompromising full back who went on to play in Europe Josiah Ougo: A composed yet solid central defender Sammy Omollo “Pamzo”: One of the best defensive stoppers this country has seen Tom Juma: A tireless box to box midfielder Allan Odhiambo: A towering defensive midfielder who often scored as many goals as the strikers. In the 1991 league campaign, he was the club’s leading scorer. Dan Ogada: An engine that was able to drive the team forward, create chances, deliver brilliangt through balls and with supreme ball control John Odhiambo “Baresi”: A highly capable dribbler, remembered for outplaying the Super Eagles in that epic encounter in 1997 Steve Okumu: A reliable goalscorer who used his quick first step to evade defenders. Steve Odiaga: A powerful and towering attacker
Substitutes
Joseph Asembo: A towering goalkeeper, very good with high balls Paul Ochieng: Burly defender who intimidated strikers with his size Bonaventure Maruti: A speedy attacker who scored freely. Went on to play for many years in Europe. Charles Oduor: A reliable fullback Mike Otieno: An explosive left winger with incredible acceleration. He later became the team’s coach.
Honourable Mention
Stephen Kinuthia “Kenos”, Charles Oduor “Fundi”, Albert Njeru, William Odidi, Joseph Akinga, Frazier Ochieng, Tom Ochieng “Malindi”, Tom Okaya, Brian Okumu, Bramwell Mwololo, George Owalla, George Sunguti, Joseph Owino Andai “Conte”, George Sunguti, Dan Shikanda, Tom Odhiambo, Charles Omondi “Korea”, Felix Otieno, Jared Ochieng Achieng, Hezron Omondi “Othuks”, Joseph Akinga, Zelleallem Teshome, Pius Wamaya, Michael Kisaghi, Eric Obura, Aggrey Obonyo, David Odhiambo “Deo”
1. David Ochieng: Solid no drama keeper who starred for both club and country. 2. Tobias Ocholla: Reliable and created several goals with his long throw ins 3. Peter Otieno “Bassanga”: Industrious left back 4. Bobby Ogolla: The best defensive stopper this country has ever seen 5. Austin Oduor: The most succesful team captain in Kenya’s history 6. Charles Otieno: The Engine of the team 7. Abbas Magongo: Tireless, skillful and covered every inch of the field 8. Sammy Owino: Immensely talented midfielder who scored brilliant inidvidual goals 9. George Onyango: Schemer par supreme 10. Peter Dawo: Known for his goal-scoring spree in 1987. Was voted Among Africa’s 10 best players in 1987 11. Nahashon Oluoch: Brilliant dribbler who also scored superb individual goals. Also voted among Africa’s 10 best
Substitutes
Tirus Omondi: An acrobatic goalkeeper and full of drama Swaleh Ochieng: Powerfully built left back who shut down opposing players with robust tackles John Okello Zangi: Enigmatic, tireless, and very dexterious on the ball Sammy Onyango: Superb crosser, corner taker and penalty taker. Two footed Hezborn Omollo: Scored over 50 league goals between 1983 and 1985
Honorable Mention
George Odembo “Nyangi”, George Otieno “Vigo”, George Otieno “Solo”, Isaiah Omondi “Janabi”, Ben Oloo “Breakdance”, Gideon Hamisi “Aziki”, Enock Obwaka, Hamisi Shamba, Abdallah Shebe, William Obwaka, Goro Oronge, Jaffar Mwidau, Ignatius Khaduli, Hezron Osuka, John Chore, Anthony Ndolo, Mike Adede, Abbey Nassur, Peter Ochieng “Pierre”,
1. Dan Odhiambo: Had the sharpest reflexes of any Kenyan goalkeeper 2. Paul Oduwo “Cobra”: Tirelessly ran up and down the right flank. Kept defenders at bay with robust tackles 3. Festus Nyakota: A solid no-nonsense fullback 4. James Ogolla “Kadir”: Versatile defender who played in central defence and on the flanks 5. Mike Ogolla “Machine”: Nicknamed Machined because he dealt easily with opposing attacks 6. Jerry Imbo: Very talented midfielder who made everything look easy 7. George “Best” Yoga: Still one of the top 5 scorers in the history of the club 8. Steve “McQueen” Yongo: Played superbly in defense midfield and attack. Starred at the 1972 AFCON 9. William Ouma “Chege”: The best striker Kenya produced before Dennis Oliech 10. Allan Thigo: The high priest of Gor Mahia football. The best ever playmaker Kenya has produced 11. Peter Ouma “Pele” : Efficient scorer who also scored for Kenya at the 1972 AFCON
Subs
James Sianga: Take no prisoners goalkeeper who later became a succesful coach Nicodemus Arudhi: Efficient Inside right who scored often and later became infamous Tim Ayieko: Ugandan with kenyan roots who starred for the Uganda Cranes Maurice Ochieng: Led the league in scoring in 1976 Andrew Obunga: Explosive centre forward
Honorable Mention
Ben Oballa, Masanta Osoro, Chris Obure, Jaoko Orifwa, Jackson Aluko, Samson Odore, Duncan Migan, Fred Siranga, George Ayuka, Charles Ondiek “Racham”, Sospeter Otin, Walter Molo, Maurice Ole Tunda, Francis Midany “Power”, Josphat Okello “Smart”, Amos Nandy, Sammy Ndonga, Simon Nyatome, Festus Nyakota, Tom Oyake, Owen Nandi, Paul Odhiambo, Laban Otieno
As the decade comes to an end, lets take a look back at the players who made the most impact to the team during the decade of 2010 to 2019.
Goalkeeper: Jerim Onyango
Jerim joined Kogalo in 2009 from KRA. He was team captain for three years. A natural team leader who inspired the playing unit through words and by leading through example. He was the best goalkeeper in the country in 2013. The moment of his career came when Gor Mahia played away to US Bitam of Gabon. On that day he saved three penalties to steer Gor Mahia to the next round.
Right Back: Karim Nizigiyimana
He joined Gor Mahia in 2015 and played for three years. During this period he was a solid defender and provided an extra dimension when going forward with his precise crosses. In 2016 he was voted the defender of the year and he led the league in assists
Left Back : Godfrey Walusimbi
A solid left back who was also very useful when going forward. Comfortable at either full back or in midfield. Very well poised and controlled on the ball. He joined Gor Mahia in 2013 and stayed on for four years.
Centre Back: David Owino Calabar
When he joined from Nakuru All Stars in 2012, the then coach Zdravko Logarusic was not too impressed. The Croatian coach preferred towering centre backs like Emuge and Mosoti. But Calabar being adaptable, earned his way into the starting line-up by playing at either full back position. When Bobby Williamson became coach in 2014, Calabar cemented his place at centre back but occassionally played at full back. He earned his nickname because of the man of the match performance against Nigeria in Calabar when Kenya held Nigeria 1-1.
Centre Back: Harun Shakava
He joined Gor Mahia from Kakamega Homeboyz. A towering no-nonsense defender who solidified the centre back position and eventually became team captain in 2017
Defensive Midfielder: Godfrey Baba Kizito
A consumate midfielder who combined a strong defensive presence with superb passing and playmaking skills which he used to rapidly switch from defence to offence. He played for Kogalo in 2014, helping the club win its second successive title.
Right Midfield: Moses Odhiambo Dube
An intelligent player who always made the correct decision on the field and always made the right pass leading to several crucial goals. Before joining Gor Mahia, he had played in Rwanda and Tanzania. His experience and leadership came in handy.
Left Midfield: Francis Kahata
He is the best playmaker the club fielded in this decade. Very good at linking play. Superior vision. And precise accuracy in the delivery of his passes. Led the team in assists in all the seasons he played.
Attacking midfield: Rama Salim
Rama could play in any attacking position. His combination and understanding with Dan Sserunkuma is among the best the club has ever seen.
Striker: Jacque Tuyisenge
He gets the nod over Olunga and Kagere for the simple reason that his impact at the club was larger. He played for far more seasons and left as one of the top 5 scorers in the history of the club. He was instrumental in three league titles.
Striker Dan Sserunkuma
In 2013, the club had not won a league title for 18 seasons. Twice in the previous four years, the club had lost the league on the last day. In 2013 , Sserunkuma went on a scoring tear that helped secure the first league title since 1995. Most memorable was his goal against Sofapaka that secured the league by eliminating Sofapaka from contention. Most notable was that he almost always scored in the Mashemeji derby.
Gor Mahia fullback Philemon Otieno, who underwent surgery earlier this year, is set to return to football in January
Additional reporting from the Nation.
Otieno, who picked an anterior cruciate ligament injury while playing for Harambee Stars in a Africa Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against Tanzania in August, had already begun training with the team before the ongoing strike started. He now trains alone and attends gym sessions with his physiotherapist.
The Kenyan international told Nation Sport that he is eager to return to the pitch since his rehabilitation is almost done.
“I’m on the recovery path and it is almost done. I will be ready to play for Gor Mahia in January since I had been training with the team before the strike but now I’m continuing on my own. It has been a long time and I’m yearning to be back to play football,” said Otieno.
The K’Ogalo right back, who can also play in midfield, says he holds no grudge against Gor Mahia or Football Kenya Federation concerning the tirade that surrounded his treatment which forced him to turn back to his family and friends to raise money for his knee surgery.
“It was a tough time but I don’t want to talk about it because I’m focused on reviving my career. Issues will always arise in football but that doesn’t mean I lose hope and abandon my talent. I have a passion for the game and my focus is to help Gor Mahia bag the Kenya Premier League title,” he said.
On the unending crisis at Gor Mahia concerning salary arrears, Otieno urged the players and the club hierarchy to reach a consensus so that everyone in the club can pull in one direction.
“I can’t say much on what has been transpiring in the team because I have not been on the pitch. However, we need to move forward as a team and I believe the situation will change and all issues will be sorted out,” he added.
Gor Mahia players are still on strike with the champions set to play Kisumu All Stars on December
Gor Mahia’s new sensation, Nicholas Kipkirui is determined to build on his good start and finish as top scorer in the premier league. Kipkirui joined from Zoo Kericho and not much was expected from him. But he has proven doubters wrong with his ability to place himself in the right spot at the right time to score.
More from the Nation
Gor Mahia forward Nicholas Kipkirui is keen on bagging the Golden Boot at the end of the season after a promising start to life at the club.
Kipkirui, who joined the SportPesa Premier League champions from Zoo on a four-year contract, admits playing for K’Ogalo is a dream come true.
“I love Gor Mahia. I have always wished to play at the top level and my launching pad is K’Ogalo,” he said on Sunday after Gor floored Sofapaka 1-0 in a tough encounter.
The youngster has scored five goals this season – three in the league and two in the Caf Confederation Cup.
“Any slip up in your form at Gor will see you lose your first team place and that is what I want to avoid because I want to make a name by becoming the top striker at Gor,” he said.
“My target this season is to net 15 goals in the league and 10 goals at continental level. I also want to lead Gor Mahia to the final of the Confederation Cup,” added the Kipchimchim Boys High School alumnus.
With seven appearances in the league and two at continental level, the 22-year-old has established himself as a regular in a crowded department that has big names like Jacques Tuyisenge and Dennis Oliech.
“Unlike other teams, Gor is a star-studded outfit. It’s not easy to be among the starting 11. The competition is stiff, you must work hard,” said Kipkirui.
He added: “Even those you see on the bench are equally good. You only need to attend our training sessions and see how each player works hard to impress the coach.”
He said the stiff competition has helped him to improve his game and adapt to the flowing and attacking football that is the trademark of the 17-time champions.
Former Gor Mahia skipper Musa Mohamed has terminated his contract with KF Tirana. Mohamed along with Kenneth Muguna left to join the side which now plays in the second tier of Albania. KF Tirana is coached by former Kogalo coach Ze Maria who was eager to snap up some of his former players. But Mohamed was unable to adapt to his new home according to coach Ze Maria.
“It is quite unfortunate that we have lost him (Mohammed), he is a talented player and we hoped he could help us hit our objectives.
“However things have not gone according to plan, he has failed to adapt to life in this place, making him uncomfortable.
“He did not like the food here, and money was also an issue that was not sorted, I think he was homesick and we had no option but allow him to leave.” said Ze maria
Musa had been a long serving player for Kogalo, having joined in 2010. He played for 7 seasons. Then in December he left the club to attend trials in Turkey. He then proceeded to Albania to link up with Ze Maria and another former Gor Mahia ace Kenneth Muguna who had joined a short while earlier. They were soon joined by yet another former Gor Mahia player, Eric “Marcelo” Ouma whose stint in the republic of Georgia ended. Marcelo is now on loan to another second tier Albanian side.
On Saturday March 3 2018, Gor Mahia played against Bandari. These are the two teams that Ben Oloo Breakdance played for. It was as if fate arranged this match as a remembrance for the former Kogalo and Bandari winger 5 days after he passed on. Let us remember the life of this wonderfully gifted winger.
In Sudan in for the 1985 CECAFA Cup. It was his first tournament and Breakdance played almost all the games as Kogalo lifted the trophy in memorable style.
With club legend Abbas Magongo
In action against Hakati FC in 1985
On this day in 1986, Breakdance scored a hat trick against Transcom FC of Nakuru
In the front row with blue jacket. Breakdance with other Kogalo players in Sudan in 1985
With Kogalo players Peter Ochieng Pierre and John Okello Zangi aka Zing Zang
During a call up to Harambee Stars in 1986. Breakdance is in the front row , 3rd from left
In 1987, Gor Mahia had two lethal left wingers in Sammy Onyango and Ben Oloo
During the tour of Denmark in 1988 with George Otieno Solo and Tom Gundo
With Hezborn Omollo in Benin 1987 after playing Dragons L’Oueme
Standing next to Peter Otieno in Benin in 1987
Second from right prior to a continental match. Also in this pic from right: Bassanga, Breakdance, Hezborn Omollo, Pierre, Zamalek, Fundi, Solo, Dawo, Mwidau, Nyangi, Ocholla, Maira, Janabi,Ndolo
In London in 1988 with other Kogalo players Joseph Owino, Jeffer Mwidau, Dan Miswa and others
Ben Oloo seen hear leaping on Peter Dawo after the latter scored the winning goal against Mukura Victory of Rwanda in the 1988 Africa Cup winners cup. Others in this pic are Fundi, Makamu and Zangi
Prior to joining Kogalo, a young Ben Oloo
Meeting the legendary England player John Barnes in South Africa
At home in Karungu, Migori county
With his father in Karungu in 2016
Wazee wa Kazi match with Makamu and Fundi
Wazee wa Kazi match in 2013 with George Onyango Fundi
At home in Karungu in 2015
Ben Oloo was Guest of honor
With former Ingwe players Peter Lichungu and Mike Amwayi who were his rivals during their playing days.
In Mombasa with Austin Oduor and former national team coach Mohamed Kheri
With former team-mates Austin Oduor and David Ochieng in 2014
Playing with other veterans of Bandari FC and Cargo FC
Breakdance served as an official of Bandari FC in Various capacities for two decades
As a student at St Marys Yala in 1977
Young Ben Oloo on the left
RIP Breakdance. Let us not judge his decision to take his own life. Clinical depression is a debilitating illness whereby the brain produces chemicals that make a person constantly depressed. It can get to the point where a person cannot take it anymore.
Former Gor Mahia midfield ace Zablon Otieno Osowo, popularly known as “Pro” is no more. He passed away on Friday Morning May 13. He had been undergoing treatment at Jamaa hospital in Buru Buru for Pneoumonia and a heart attack he had suffered hours earlier. Pro will be remembered firstly as one of the most dedicated players to play for Kogalo. He logged several years with the club. And this was during the club’s dark ages when it was constantly in the relegation zone and could barely make ends meet financially. And along with fellow Midfielder Dan Ogada, another very dedicated player, he is one of the most skillful players to play for the club in recent times. He mesmerized opponents and fans alike with deft touches and brilliant moves.
Zablon Otieno’s formative days in Kaloleni
Zablon Otieno joins the big leagues
Zablon Mentoring the young Blackberry
Zablon Otieno Coaching Career
Sporting Family
Nicodemus Arudhi, seen here on the right playing for Luo Union FC against Mwenge of Mombasa sometimes in the late to mid 1960s. Notice the resemblance to Pro and Ade
Rest In Peace
Zablon Otieno will be remembered as one of the most talented players ever to don the green Kogalo jersey. He will be remembered as an Eastlands legend. Surprisingly he was never called to the national team. He leaves behind a wife and three children. May be rest in peace.
