Omija: CHAN has sharpened Gor Mahia stars

The Harambee Stars defender says the signing of top local players who have featured for the national team in the CHAN tournament underlines Gor’s hunger for success.

‘’I want to tell the rest of the top tier league teams to beware that our plan is to clinch the title as early as possible. They should start the season knowing we are the impending champions for the new season,’’ said Omija.

Gor had a total of ten players who featured for Harambee Stars at the CHAN squad, including the ones signed during the tournament.

The record Kenyan champions ended last season without a trophy, which led to the dismissal of the entire technical bench followed by massive signings.

Omija at the same time noted that the arrival of big names in the squad will create competition for the first eleven slot, however he feels it will be for the good of the club.

‘’I know it will not be obvious for us to retain our starting eleven positions. The new signings are so competent, but this will create a very healthy competition, which is good for the sake of the club,’’ added Omija.

Gor Mahia absorbed, among others, Kenya’s first choice shot-stopper Bryn Omondi from Bandari who will battle it out with Kevin Omondi and Mathew Gad between the sticks. This follows the departure of Caleb Omondi who decamped to Shabana FC.

In vision of ensuring lethal strikers are stopped at the Gor defence, the record champions acquired the signature of Tusker FC’s Mike Kibwage alongside Bandari’s  Siraj Mohammed.

Other players who have joined Gor include Fidel Origa from Bandari, Veron Ombima from NSL side Darajani Gogo, Lewis Bandi from AFC Leopards, and David Odhiambo from the youth team.

Felix Oluoch has also signed for former champions, joining from Posta Rangers.

Gor will open their 2025/2026 campaign against Bidco United on September 21 in Nairobi before facing Sofapaka on September 27.

In August 2025, Gor Mahia signed a Ghanaian coach Charles Akonnor who has formerly coached the Ghanaian national team. He is joined by fellow Ghanaian Kobi Mensah Bismark who will be his assistant.

Gor who are regular Kenyan representatives in continental competitions will this year play at home after finishing without a trophy last season, having lost the league title to Police FC before slipping in the hands of Nairobi United in the FKF Cup.

 The loss to the FKF newly promoted denied them an opportunity to at least play in the CAF Confederations Cup tournament.