Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia marked their return to the CAF Champions League in 2024 after more than three years in the cold. Gor won the right to represent the country in the competition following their triumph in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL).Returning to the Champions League was one of the significant achievements for the club in the year, considering that they failed to do so in 2023 despite winning the league.Gor were barred from featuring in the continental tournament in 2023 for, dragging their feet in clearing with former players and coaches who demanded compensation for breach of contract and, failing to meet the Club Licensing requirements.##NAJAVA_MECA_8609954##However, the management learned lessons the hard way and rectified the administrative errors that cost them a place in continental football.Although Gor did not manage to break the Champions League’s group stages jinx, watching the team return to continental football was refreshing.Witnessing the club fail to swing their begging bowls in order to honour continental assignments was a departure from the past and a welcome sign.It is worth noting that CAF released Kshs. 6.4 million to both Gor and Kenya Police to prepare for the preliminary stages of the inter-club tournaments. TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo, scouting report, heat map and key passes dataAll these would not have happened if Gor had not won the league title and the management did their part in ensuring that they were in CAF and FIFA’s good books. A deserved 21st league titleBefore the turn of 2024, Gor were simply unplayable as the club was unbeaten in the first leg of the 2023/2024 season.They went on to claim the title in June in a nearly-filled Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos in what was a perfect send-off to coach Johnathan McKinstry.The Northern Irishman will best be remembered for restoring Gor’s pride and lost glory as he accepted to coach the club in difficult times, winning two titles in the process.President Ruto, Museveni and Raila watch as Gor Mahia beat Ugandan side at Siaya StadiumMcKinstry took over at Gor when they had forgotten how to win and were extremely short depth-wise due to constant FIFA bans. However, he worked his socks off and delivered two titles in as many seasons with that of last year being special as it tagged along with Champions League rights. Earlier in the year, McKinstry and the club had to deal with yet another FIFA ban but that did not stop their march to the podium. Struggle to replace McKinstry When McKinstry left in July following the expiry of his contract, Gor embarked on search for a replacement with scores of foreign gaffers sending in their application letters. The club settled on Brazilian Leonardo Martins Neiva with Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno being appointed the first assistant coach. Neiva, however, failed to live up to the expectations and was consequently shown the door in November due to a string of unwanted results. Millions donated to Gor Mahia by President Ruto and Raila OdingaThe club handed Zico the responsibility to lead the team on interim basis but despite turning the fortunes around, he is yet to be confirmed on permanent basis. It remains to be seen whether the management will stick with Zico or will hire a new head coach. Gor dominates end-off-season awardsMidfielder Austin Odhiambo was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) with Benson Omala clinching the ‘Golden Boot’. McKinstry was named the best coach while Rooney Onyango was also in contention for the MVP award. Kevin Omondi walked home with the ‘Golden Glove’ with the club finishing second in the fair play category behind Shabana. Launch of new kitsThe club launched new kits in September drawing mixed reactions to their fans with majority slamming celebrated Tanzanian designer Sheria Ngowi of deviating from the traditional green colour. Sporting highlights Kenyans can look forward to in 2025Gor struck a deal with Ngowi in July and two months later, he delivered home and away kits for the playing unit as well replicas for the fans. Despite Gor sealing several loopholes of the sale of fake merchandise, the club has not made significant sales perhaps due to the lukewarm reception the design and colour got after unveiling. The replica shirts have been going at Kshs. 3,500.Hooliganism and indiscipline ‘Send greetings’ was a very common phrase in 2024. The phrase does not necessarily mean sending greetings ;rather, it refers to bullying through social media, spam calls, and text messages as well as insults.When positive results were not coming by at Gor during Neiva’s reign, ‘greetings’ and warnings from the dissatisfied fans were served. A look at the major FKF Premier League events in 2024Things escalated to assault, teargas, running battles between the police and fans with the players also getting a share of the wrath. Calm restored after the Brazilian was sacked. Besides that, several Gor players were forced to apologize for unjustly downing tools and featuring in unsanctioned matches. A Gor defender also reportedly threatened a fan, who had been critical of his performances.
