Cher Monsieur Ambrose Dickson Otieno Rachier (ADOR), congratulating you for another Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title win would sound like a cliché, but what choice do I have? A huge congratulations! You have made victory look so easy that it may be taken for a stroll in the park, yet, you deserve all the plaudits you, and your team is currently getting for a job well done, against all odds.As Winston Churchill said: “What is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory – victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road maybe; for without victory, there is no survival.”By winning a record 20th title, Gor Mahia survived a torrid season; one that gave them no chance for victory – one that tested their character and stretched their limits, most notably on the field of play.From a crippling FIFA transfer ban to a disillusioned fan base that kept off the field for the better part of the campaign and lean financial times, you navigated it all – finding a way for your team to win, like all leaders should.In the end, once more the spirit of Gor Mahia, as legendary John “Bobby” Ogolla put it, proved indomitable. Gor Mahia crowned 2022-2023 FKFPL championsADOR, I was at one time one of your greatest critics, but as I mature into leadership at my small level, I have become more measured, understanding and appreciative. This, nonetheless, shouldn’t be misconstrued to mean that I am condoning or glossing over your weak areas. Far from it. That we have different strengths as individuals cannot be denied. In life as in leadership, we should focus and perfect our strong points.🟢 | THE HONOURClub’s chairman Ambrose Rachier and Captain Philemon Otieno presented the 22/2023 league trophy we bagged to our patron Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga at the airport (JKIA) today when he landed from Poland. #Sirkal | #GorFansClub pic.twitter.com/9ViImfQCcf— GOR MAHIA FC – 🏆 (@OfficialGMFC) June 27, 2023 I made peace with the fact that your legacy will solely be anchored on Gor Mahia’s on field performance, not off it. Your ability to craft a winning side over the over fifteen years you’ve been around the club will forever be remembered. You have been quoted saying that you will exit the scene at the end of your current tenure which is not far a distance away. I do not expect that you’re going to deliver K’Ogalo a stadium during that short period. In that regard, how about you scale up on your strength, which is on field victory, before you leave the dance floor? ADOR, that splendid run in the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup, where the team reached the quarterfinals, raised the bar and expectations amongst the fan base in terms of performance and success. Winning the league since was merely meant to be a stepping ladder to the CAF Interclubs. Confetti for the fans! FKF clarifies on jumbled up Gor Mahia coronationUnfortunately for the last three seasons, the momentum was lost, and a lot of work will be needed to regain it. Momentums by their nature are easier to steer than start, but it takes a leader to create one. You can do it again. The best news is, the club’s sponsor has committed to financing the team’s return to continental football. Unlike in 2018 when the winning streak was broken largely due to lack of finances, K’Ogalo can approach the African Champions League next season with full focus on performing well.To return to continental glory, however, a few things will have to happen first, ADOR. The level of the CAF Interclubs has tremendously scaled up, and it goes without saying that the current squad needs strengthening in almost all departments. Take nothing away from the lot, despite inexperience, they punched above their weight and delivered glory when nobody gave them a chance. Yet, effort must be put in place to guarantee retention of the best talent. I would particularly wish to see Benson Omala stay for at least another season.As Lou Holtz, former football coach of Notre Dame said, “You’ve got to have great athletes to win, I don’t care who the coach is. You can’t win without good athletes, but you can lose with them. This is where coaching makes the difference.”The stability of the technical bench should be safeguarded at all costs. The coaching staff led by Irishman Johnathan McKinstry and his assistant Michael Nam delivered, and any doubts about their ability can only be examined better next season, not now. Harambee Stars defender on the radar of prominent French club##NAJAVA_MECA_7345462##Ensure that the team have a proper preseason – playing quality friendlies involving both local and foreign clubs if possible.Ahead of the 2018 success, Gor Mahia played Ugandan giants KCCA in a series of friendlies. I’m convinced it played a huge role in building the character of the squad.Source for more partners, work closely with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the government, shield the club from parochial and self serving politics. Above all, work tirelessly to bring the fans back to the stands. When everyone else is gone, fans are forever. Build on the prevailing goodwill, don’t let the momentum die. Je vous adresse mon très amical souvenir.Bonface Osano.
