Mashemeji Derby: Boost for Gor Mahia legends ahead of Ingwe, K'Ogalo duel
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| May 12, 2023
There is hope at the end of the tunnel for former Gor Mahia players ahead of the 96th Mashemeji Derby set to be played on Sunday after ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo promised to turn around their lifestyles.
Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will host bitter rivals AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium as they continue with their push to reclaim the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title form Tusker.
Currently two points clear off defending champions Tusker at the top of the 18-team standings with 63 points, Gor must defeat Leopards to solidify their chances of winning a record 20th title.
Speaking ahead of the Mashemeji Derby, CS Owalo said he will continue to fight for the affairs of the former Gor Mahia players as he pushed for their inclusivity in helping turn around the dying local football leagues.
Owalo said he believes the legends have a lot of expertise, experience and love for football and wished the current football stakeholders can utilize them in improving the standrds of football in the country.
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"I want us to bring back the Gor Mahia legends who brought glory in the past years. These former players have the experience and expertise to help the current team excel. In fact, they can not only inspire Gor but also help in the growth of local football.
"We need their knowledge right now for the growth of football," said Owalo on Friday.
"I want to appeal to the entire football fraternity to use the potential, experience of our formers to help us turn around the standards of football in the country."
Owalo presented a set of 60 tracksuits to Gor Mahia FC Legends.
The Legends were led by the 1987 Africa Cup Winners Cup (Mandela Cup) Captain Austin "Makamu" Oduor; Celebrated Stopper John "Bobby" Ogolla; Tobias "Jua Kali" Ocholla; Sammy Omollo"Pamzo"; Josiah "Biggy" Ougo; Micke Otieno;and Victor Onyango; all who in their heydays were crucial players for both Gor Mahia and the Kenya National Team Harambee Stars.