Owalo Sets Bold Vision to Restore Gor Mahia’s Continental Glory

Gor Mahia Patron Eliud Owalo has outlined an ambitious roadmap to return the club to the pinnacle of African football, beginning with winning the Kenyan Premier League this season before targeting the CAF Champions League title next year.

Owalo, who was recently appointed as the club’s Acting Patron following the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, expressed confidence that Gor Mahia can replicate the success of the legendary 1987 team that won the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup.

“The Gor Mahia team of 1987 did it, and we believe we can build a team capable of winning the continental trophy,” he said.

Speaking at the Jericho Toyoyo Grounds while donating sets of track suits to Gor Mahia Queens and the youth team, Owalo reaffirmed his commitment to building a sustainable football structure for the club. He emphasized that the long-term plan is to nurture and develop homegrown players rather than relying on expensive signings.

“Serious plans are underway to have Gor Mahia nurture and grow their own players rather than rely on buying players exorbitantly as has been the practice. Going forward we are going to run Gor as a business, just like other prominent football teams do,” Owalo said.

The Patron added that Gor Mahia will align itself with global best practices, similar to world-class clubs such as Manchester United, in order to modernize its operations and strengthen its competitiveness.

Owalo, who was accompanied by club officials including Chairman Ambrose Rachier, Vice Chair Sally Bolo, Secretary Nick Arum, Treasurer Gerphas Okuku, and Eliud Owalo Foundation CEO George Ochieng, also pledged to engage potential sponsors and partners to inject fresh investments into the club. He noted that securing consistent financial support will be critical in helping the club achieve its sporting and developmental ambitions.

He further underscored the importance of youth development academies as the backbone of football success, noting that Gor Mahia aims to build a strong pipeline of talent capable of continuously refreshing the senior team. Through this approach, the club hopes to instill discipline, technical skill, and loyalty among its young players while ensuring continuity and a lasting legacy for future generations.

As part of its renewed vision, Gor Mahia will also seek partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations to expand its talent scouting network. These collaborations will provide mentorship and scholarship opportunities for young players, fostering both athletic and personal growth while strengthening the club’s connection with the community.

Widely celebrated as Kenya’s most successful football club, Gor Mahia has won a record 21 Kenyan Premier League titles, including back-to-back triumphs in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Despite facing challenges such as FIFA bans, the club remains the only Kenyan team to have lifted an African continental trophy, a feat achieved in 1987 that continues to inspire national pride.

Owalo’s renewed vision seeks to honor that legacy by building a modern, financially stable, and competitive Gor Mahia capable of once again conquering Africa.