Gor Mahia’s defense line has received a significant boost with the addition of Alphonce Omija, a move that signals the club’s intent to strengthen its already formidable backline. Omija joins a group of highly competitive defenders including Sylvester Owino, Kennedy ‘Vidic’ Onyango, and Joshua ‘Mangulu’ Onyango, all of whom will be vying for starting positions as Gor Mahia prepares for a crucial season both domestically and internationally.
Last season, Gor Mahia demonstrated why they are one of the most respected teams in Kenyan football, boasting the meanest defense in the FKF Premier League. The team conceded only 20 goals throughout the season, a testament to their defensive solidity. However, despite this impressive record, Gor Mahia’s Brazilian head coach, Leonardo Neiva, is not resting on his laurels. Neiva understands that football is a dynamic sport where continuous improvement is necessary, and as such, he is committed to finding the perfect defensive combination that will not only maintain but enhance Gor Mahia’s defensive prowess.
The arrival of Omija has created a healthy competition within the squad, particularly in the central defense. This competition is something that Joshua Onyango, one of the key figures in Gor Mahia’s defense, embraces wholeheartedly. In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Onyango expressed his positive outlook on the increased competition, emphasizing that it is beneficial for both individual players and the team as a whole.
“True competitors embrace challenges because it’s through competition that players improve and reach higher levels,” Onyango said. The former Kariobangi Sharks defender, who has been a consistent performer for Gor Mahia, is fully aware that competition pushes players to their limits, forcing them to elevate their game. He is ready to fight for his place in the starting lineup, confident that this internal competition will bring out the best in him and his teammates.
Onyango also reiterated Gor Mahia’s ambition to reclaim the FKF Premier League title this season. While the team came close last season, Onyango believes that with the right mindset and hard work, they can go all the way this time. “Our target is to win the league. I think we have all it takes to win the title because we have one of the best squads,” he stated confidently.
However, Onyango is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledges that the league will be highly competitive, with Kenya Police FC and Tusker FC emerging as serious contenders for the championship. Both teams have made significant investments in their squads, and many pundits view them as Gor Mahia’s main rivals this season. Despite this, Onyango remains optimistic, believing that Gor Mahia’s experience, coupled with the quality of their squad, gives them an edge.
In addition to their domestic ambitions, Gor Mahia is also gearing up for a tough campaign in the CAF Champions League. The team has already cleared the first hurdle by eliminating South Sudan’s El Merreikh Bentiu in the preliminary round. However, the next challenge is significantly more daunting as they are set to face Egyptian giants Al Ahly, the defending champions.
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Facing Al Ahly is no small feat. The Egyptian side is one of the most successful football clubs in Africa, with a rich history in the CAF Champions League. However, Onyango is not daunted by the task ahead. He believes that Gor Mahia has the quality to compete with Al Ahly, but emphasizes that the team must be clinical in front of goal and make the most of any opportunities that come their way. “That one only our coach knows, but I think if we utilize our chances which will and must happen,” Onyango noted, reflecting his confidence in both his teammates and the coaching staff.
The first leg of the encounter with Al Ahly is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at Nyayo National Stadium. This match is expected to be a thrilling contest, with Gor Mahia hoping to take advantage of playing at home to secure a positive result. The return fixture will take place a week later at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, where Al Ahly will look to capitalize on their home advantage.
For Gor Mahia, these matches represent not only a chance to progress in the CAF Champions League but also an opportunity to test themselves against one of the best teams on the continent. A strong performance against Al Ahly would send a clear message that Gor Mahia is a force to be reckoned with, both in Kenya and across Africa.
As Gor Mahia continues to prepare for the challenges ahead, the competition for places in the starting lineup remains fierce. Alphonce Omija’s arrival has added another layer of depth to the squad, ensuring that every player must perform at their best to secure a place on the team. This level of competition, coupled with the team’s collective ambition, bodes well for Gor Mahia as they aim for success on all fronts this season.
