Home of the mighty Kogalo
Fast rising Nicholas Omondi is one of the most promising players in the KPL. The 18 year old started playing at Kibera before joining Kariobangi Sharks.
He welcomes the intense competition for places in the midfield. He is learning from his team-mates and the competition for midfield places will force him to work hard.
He aims to play in the senior national team having already been selected to the U20 team.
New signing Tito Okello who is one of the players the team will be counting on heavily this season, promises to steer the club to greater heights in the new season
Additional reporting from goal.com
The Ugandan born star is among the new players at K’Ogalo and has promised to ensure he fights for the 2020/21 Champions League participants
Tito Okello has promised to fight for the Gor Mahia badge when the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) 2020/21 season begins.
Okello is among the new players the Kenyan giants acquired in the ongoing transfer window as they build a team to participate in the KPL and in the Caf Champions League.
In an interview with the club’s media, Okello, who was recently called up by South Sudan ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda, has promised to help K’Ogalo have good results.
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“I am not a media-loving guy and I do my work knowing there is a lot of expectations and, of course, that is something to expect especially when in a team like Gor Mahia,” Okello said.
“I do not work for my name I work for the badge that is what I want the fans to know. I will fight for the club first then my name will come later. Let them expect the best from me.
“From my side, it is a pleasure joining a team like Gor Mahia because it has been one of my dream clubs. I have been dreaming to play for big teams and it has come true now.
“I always work hard to achieve my dream and when I was young I used to watch KCCA FC and I was like ‘oh my dream is to play for KCCA’ and indeed I achieved.
“I dreamt of playing for Vipers and I was there. Gor Mahia were one of the teams so it is a pleasure being here because I see it is like God is paving the way for me.
“With hard work, I think everything will be okay.”
The former Kassasiro Boy also spoke about how he is dealing with the Nairobi weather.
Okello was among the first batch of Gor Mahia players to train for the first time in cold Nairobi weather on Tuesday but he is optimistic of getting used to the climate.
“The environment is not very much different from that of Uganda,” he concluded.
“The weather is a little bit different though because it is cold and I have spent a lot of time indoors but yes I am getting accustomed to it slowly.
“With time, I will get used to it especially because I have already loved the place, the Nairobi City and so, hopefully, I think I will catch up so fast.
A report in the Daily Nation suggests that players are set to leave the club due to financial hardships
Additional reporting from the Nation
Gor Mahia are on the verge of losing four key senior players.
Nation Sport has established that the four are no longer interested in playing for Gor Mahia and intent to leave the club at the end of this season.
The four, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being victimised while still under contract and with the season yet to end, said their decision would not change even if Gor Mahia secured a major shirt sponsor.
The players said they were fed up with Gor Mahia repeatedly failing to meet its financial obligation to the squad members and it was better for them to look for greener pastures.
“It has been tough at Gor Mahia since the sponsorship of SportPesa ended. I can’t blame the club management for the current financial woes but as a player, I have dependents whom I have to look after. I have bills to pay,” said the players.
They also blamed Gor Mahia officials for “abandoning the club and leaving all the management burden to the chairman Ambrose Rachier” who has been struggling to ensure they are paid, however little money it is.
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.
Jacktone Odhiambo
Charles Odipo
Patrick Oyiengo “Adesh”,
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Rama could play in any attacking position. His combination and understanding with Dan Sserunkuma is among the best the club has ever seen.
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.
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.