The unveiling of Gor Mahia’s 2024/2025 kits, designed by Tanzanian fashion brand Sheria Ngowi, has stirred significant debate among Kenyan football fans. The kits, which include home, away, and third jerseys, have sparked both admiration and criticism. While some fans have appreciated the bold new designs, others have expressed discontent over the inclusion of black, a color that diverges from the club’s traditional green and white. This article takes a closer look at the fan reactions, the design inspiration behind the kits, and the ongoing debate about Gor Mahia’s new look.
A Bold New Look for Gor Mahia
On Thursday, Gor Mahia officially unveiled their new kits for the 2024/2025 season, designed by the Tanzanian fashion house Sheria Ngowi. The kits were showcased on the club’s social media platforms, quickly grabbing the attention of fans and stirring mixed emotions.
The home kit, in particular, was the center of attention. Traditionally, Gor Mahia’s home jerseys are dominated by their iconic green and white colors. However, the new home kit includes black accents around the neck and sleeves, a design element that sparked immediate backlash from some fans. The third kit, which is entirely black, was equally polarizing, as it marked a significant departure from Gor Mahia’s typical color scheme.
Fans’ Reactions: Mixed Emotions
The response from fans was swift and passionate, with opinions divided on the inclusion of black in Gor Mahia’s home kit. One fan on social media commented, “Too much black! This doesn’t feel like Gor Mahia anymore.” For many supporters, the use of black felt out of place, as it has never been a core part of the club’s visual identity.
Criticism wasn’t just limited to the color choices; some fans felt that the design lacked originality. Several supporters accused Sheria Ngowi of copying elements from other teams’ kits, particularly Tanzania’s Yanga SC and Nigeria’s national team. One fan lamented, “Black isn’t Gor Mahia’s color. Go to the club badge to know the colors. Stop copy-pasting Yanga and Nigeria kits. Be innovative.”
Despite the negative feedback, some fans appreciated the new look, particularly the third kit. While it still featured black, which some found controversial, its deeper connection to Gor Mahia’s roots in the Luo community resonated with certain segments of the fanbase. “This one is much better than the home kit,” one fan remarked in reference to the third kit.
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Sheria Ngowi Defends the Designs
In response to the backlash, Sheria Ngowi took to social media to defend the design choices and explain the inspiration behind the kits. According to the brand, the black elements were intentionally included to symbolize the club’s deep heritage.
“The home kit in Gor’s traditional green features an aerial map of Kisumu, as well as a powerful design that symbolizes the waves of Lake Victoria,” Sheria Ngowi stated. The company explained that the black accents were meant to add depth and cultural significance to the design, but this explanation did little to quell the fans’ concerns.
The third kit, entirely black, also came with a symbolic explanation. Sheria Ngowi described it as representing African heritage and Gor Mahia’s roots in the Luo community. The initials “GM,” emblazoned on the kit, feature a small “G” and a large “M,” symbolizing the club’s struggles and successes throughout its history. While this backstory was well-received by some fans, it failed to sway others who remained critical of the heavy use of black.
| NEW KIT
Green or white? #Sirkal | #GorFansClub pic.twitter.com/pgormZZJDo
— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) September 27, 2024
Comparisons to Other Teams’ Kits
One of the most common criticisms leveled at the new Gor Mahia kits was that they resembled the jerseys of other teams, particularly Tanzania’s Yanga SC and Nigeria’s national football team. Fans were quick to point out similarities in the designs, accusing Sheria Ngowi of copying elements from these teams’ kits.
A particularly vocal fan expressed frustration, saying, “Endelea kutengeneza vitenge za Yanga tu, unatuharibia jezi sisi Wakenya (Just keep making kitenge jerseys for Yanga. You have ruined our kits as Kenyans).” Another fan echoed this sentiment, accusing the designers of lacking originality and merely adapting designs from other African teams.
Presentation and Marketing Criticism
Apart from the design of the kits, fans also took issue with the presentation and marketing strategy behind the new jerseys. Some noted that the promotional images used to unveil the kits were unflattering, with wrinkled shirts and poor lighting. One fan sarcastically remarked, “Next time, tell your kit manager to at least iron the kits before giving them to you.”
Fans were also frustrated by the lack of clear information on where the new kits could be purchased. Several supporters expressed disappointment that the club had not provided details on how or where to buy the jerseys, calling the marketing strategy “the worst ever.” One fan voiced their concern, saying, “Mtuambie pia jezi zinapatikana wapi… si kuweka tu picha ya mapambo (Tell us where to get the jerseys. Not just decorations).”
The Cultural Significance of the Black Kit
While the home kit’s black accents caused an uproar, the third kit, which was entirely black, received slightly more favorable feedback due to its symbolic significance. Sheria Ngowi explained that the black kit was designed to honor Gor Mahia’s Luo roots and African heritage, making it a meaningful addition to the club’s kit lineup.
Some fans appreciated this cultural connection and saw the third kit as a tribute to the club’s history. However, the heavy use of black across all the kits remained a point of contention for many, who felt that it strayed too far from the club’s traditional green and white colors.
A Polarizing Kit Unveiling
The unveiling of Gor Mahia’s 2024/2025 kits has certainly made waves among Kenyan football fans. While the design choices by Sheria Ngowi were bold and creative, they sparked a range of reactions from the fanbase, with some embracing the cultural symbolism behind the black kits and others lamenting the departure from tradition.
As the controversy surrounding the new kits continues, it remains to be seen how the club and Sheria Ngowi will respond to fan feedback. For now, Gor Mahia’s 2024/2025 season will begin with fans divided over whether the new look is a fresh start or a misstep in the club’s storied history.
In the meantime, the club has promised to announce where fans can purchase the kits, with further details expected to be released soon.
