Following humiliation at the hands of record African champions Al Ahly, Gor Mahia will be out to flex their hegemony in the FKF Premier League as they seek to march to their fourth three-peat that will mark their 22nd league title.Despite Kenya Police FC beefing up their squad with a bucket load of experience, they still have a lot to do to challenge the Gor Mahia steam train that has been bamboozling teams to claim the title with relative ease.To put it into perspective, the record Kenyan champions have only lost the title twice since 2013 – which is 11 years for those who do not want to take out their calculators – signifying their local dominance.##NAJAVA_MECA_8370701##Only Tusker, in 2016 and 2021 managed to wrestle the title from K’Ogalo which could have been extended to 2022 were it not for FKF annulling the season following a FIFA suspension due to the government’s interference in football.Last season’s finishIf you are reading this article means you know Gor Mahia are the reigning champions after securing 73 points from 34 games which marked the most number of points garnered in a season since 2018.The points haul was also eight more than their closest rivals Tusker who recovered from a horrendous start to the season to finish as the runners-up as Jonathan McKinstry’s men only lost three games all campaign.Gor Mahia duo indefinitely suspended, set to face disciplinary committeePredicted finishOnly the ardent AFC Leopards fans will tell you that Gor Mahia might not finish first but there is very little to suggest that K’Ogalo will not retain their title.The giants in the local scene but dwarfs in the continental stage seem to have no match at home and with Kenya Police’s inexperience in the title race despite having well-experienced players and Tusker being in transition aiding Gor Mahia’s cause.Exclusive interviewGad Mathews in an interview with Mozzart Sport, revealed that they have one goal in mind this season which is to defend the league but admitted that it will not be a walk in the park.##NAJAVA_MECA_8370691##“We are here to defend the league but it will not be an easy task because the league is getting more competitive every season but we have what it takes to land our 22nd title. Teams have prepared well for this season, Kenya Police have had very good signings that have added experience to their side.If you look at Tusker they have also had good signings which means that the league this season will be very competitive.Price and where to buy new Gor Mahia jerseysSo far the coach has been good, we are slowly adapting to his tactics and the culture of football he wants us to play.Soon we will be able to play the way he wants which will make us gather some pace,” said Gad.Transfer insGor Mahia had a decent transfer window that did not involve their usual overhaul which witnessed wholesome chances that could see 18 signed as many released.##NAJAVA_MECA_8370684##Only six were brought in to galvanise the side with some of the shrewd businesses being the signing of Alphonce Omija from Omani club Dhofar, Enock Morrison who announced himself to the K’Ogalo faithful against Al Ahly and Samuel Kapen from Nairobi City Stars.Samuel Onyango was also roped in from Police to mark his second stint with Gor Mahia, Gedeon Bandeka from Etincelles FC in Rwanda and Chris Akena from Greek club Apollon Pontou FC.Bandeka and Akena have their work cut out to win over the K’Ogalo faithful having been utilized sparingly by head coach Leonardo Neiva.’Does the designer know the club’s history?’ – Gor Mahia fans react to new club kitsTransfer outsThis transfer window was one of the best for Gor Mahia in recent years as they only offloaded eight players showing a bit of continuity and a sign that the club is headed in the right direction.Of the seven, Alvin Ochieng joined Kakamega Homeboyz, the gifted but rarely fielded John Macharia crossed over to Bandari, and promising defender Parmenas Ochola to Naivas FC.Samwest Black Boots FC raided Gor Mahia for Gilbert Otieno and Bonface Odhiambo while McKinstry’s trusted lieutenants Emery Bayisenge and Patrick Sibomana also left.##NAJAVA_MECA_8370676##Interestingly, the biggest departure from the club, Benson Omala was not captured in FKF’s transfer list with the move to war-torn Lebanon raising more questions than answers.TalismanAustin Odhiambo is the no-brainer talisman of Gor Mahia as he was one of the players who looked at home against the mightly Al Ahly and he was not shy to express himself.The midfielder is perhaps also the biggest player league as he is one of the few who can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and singlehandedly win a match.AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo blames ‘juju’ for derby mistakes, vows to end Gor Mahia’s dominanceIt will be a huge surprise to see Austin at Gor Mahia beyond this season as more established teams will come to pluck the gem from K’Ogalo.Young talentMark Shaban is one talent to keep a close eye on this season after showing flashes of brilliance towards the latter stages of last season.The forward from Kakamega High School’s Green Commandos FC might benefit from the exit of Omala and with no one having cemented the striking position, a chance is presented to him to impress.##NAJAVA_MECA_8370686##His story adds more spice to Gor Mahia fans after he snubbed AFC Leopards in the 11th hour despite being captured on video in Ingwe chairman Dan Shikanda’s car.Head coach Once again Gor Mahia tinkered with their coaching setup as is the case after a few seasons when bigger clubs come knocking for coaches who stroll to league titles.Brazilian Leonardo Neiva was trusted to take over the reins from McKinstry who did a magnificent job but failed to win over the entire fan base with his conservative brand of football.Gor Mahia aim arsenal at Mathare after CAF CL exitWith just a few games in, the Brazilian’s fingerprints are on the team with their sleek passing to wear down opponents but results have not been forthcoming much to the like of K’Ogalo fans.Neiva has not been off to a good start both on and off the pitch with a reported burst-up between him and Rooney Onyango in Cairo, Egypt before the Al Ahly game.Kevin Juma is also suspended for alleged absconding of duty with reports of the playing staff missing McKinstry’s excellent man-management skills surfacing.##NAJAVA_MECA_8370706##First five fixturesGor Mahia open their season with a potential banana skin tie against Mathare United on Saturday who have beaten them 12 times in their last 40 encounters with 14 draws being registered and a similar number being won by the Green Army.A clash against Posta Rangers will follow after the October international break and KCB FC who have posted a blistering start to the season will visit Gor Mahia on Wednesday 23 October.Neiva’s men will close October with a date against Nairobi City Stars and host Murang’a Seal in their first match of November.Gor Mahia head coach reveals three reasons for benching Rooney Onyango against Al AhlyPotential challengesIn the first half of the season with Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia under renovations, Gor Mahia might struggle to find a venue to host their home games.The club is one of the most supported sides in the country, meaning their matches are more high-risk due to the many supporters who throng their matches.Player mutiny might also plague Gor Mahia this season after starting their pre-season with players downing their tools to demand a share of the prize money for winning the league.##NAJAVA_MECA_8370918##The Rooney Onyango passport saga followed with the same player having to be suspended a week before the start of the season for a reported burst-up with Neiva.Austin Odhiambo also downed his tools for a few days in a bid to try and force a move out of the club but that was quickly resolved.
