Gor Mahia primed for titanic clash against Simba SC in Tanzania

Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno has declared his side is ready for battle ahead of their high-profile preseason match against Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

The much-anticipated ‘Simba Day’ match is set for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7.30 PM local time.

Despite the intimidating atmosphere expected in Dar, Otieno exuded confidence, stating his team is fully prepared for the challenge.

“We are ready for the big match, we are ready to give a good fight for positive results,” the skipper asserted.

The Kenyan Premier League powerhouse arrived in Tanzania with a 25-man squad, though they will be momentarily bolstered by the arrival of five national team players after Kenya’s World Cup qualifier match against Seychelles.

Otieno praised the preparations, noting: “We travelled well and the reception was good. This invite is important as Simba is one of the top sides in the region and considering we are still in preseason thus making the contest a good one for us.”

The encounter serves as a crucial litmus test for both clubs, who are fine-tuning their squads for the upcoming domestic seasons.

While history offers a glimmer of encouragement for Gor Mahia—having beaten Simba 2-0 in a Super Cup clash in Nakuru back in 2018, Otieno insists the focus is squarely on the present.

“We have played Simba before but past is past we are focused on tomorrow’s game with an aim of achieving the best,” he emphasized, dismissing any notion of past results influencing tonight’s fixture.

All eyes will be on how Gor Mahia’s mix of experienced heads and preseason trialists handle the ferocious pressure from a packed Simba home crowd.

The match promises to be a fiery contest as the Kenyan giants look to stamp their authority and build momentum, proving their readiness to compete with the region's very best.