''Giniwasekawo'' Gor Mahia finally handed KPL cup

I found it amusing to hear that the Dholuo phrase ‘Giniwasekawo’ got a Wikipedia reference. That’s a big deal considering how lean Wikipedia is on Kenyan facts leave alone ethnic references. Gini-wase-kao is a combination of luo words that translates into “we have taken this thing”. The thing in this case was an elusive football crown.

The word that was made famous by Gor Mahia fans in their run up to winning the 2013 Kenyan Premier league. Gor fans are known for their swagger and penchant for pomp.

They never shy from ensuring that their point of view is heard, loud and clear. The hungering for a return to form that has eluded Gor for 18 years hit the peak this year however for change the fans where consciously optimistic.

Prolific

Ever since the incredible run of the Gor dream team of the late 80s, that included the likes of the prolific goal getter Peter Dawo and the midfield genius of Abbas Magongo, Gor has been a pale shadow of its former self until its recent spate of form.

But in the final weeks to the grand finale when it seemed certain even to sports skeptics that Gor had beaten the jinx of 11th hour setbacks. The victory was in sight and the fans made sure they told everyone and anyone who cared to listen.

Gor Mahia fans are not exactly the ideal ambassadors for the sport. Their over enthusiasm in celebrations sometimes knows no bounds and can quite be aggravating to the unaccustomed. But that passion is a sigh of relief for Kenyan football.

The local football fans who religiously pack the stadiums despite the challenges to cheer their stars are telling us one thing. No one takes a trash talker without a trophy in his cabinet, seriously.