Gor's strength in adversity while they have not played great, K'Ogalo have found the extra gear, which has kept them going

Ulinzi Stars' Cylus Shitote and Gor Mahia foreward Dann ySserunkuma Otieno vies for the ball during their KPL match at City Stadium on 17-09-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

One of the hallmarks of champions is winning a game when not playing particularly well and Gor Mahia certainly did that at the weekend.
The champions played second fiddle to Chemelil Sugar for first half with only Jerim Onyango’s heroics keeping them in the game with two fine saves.
But on the stroke of halftime, K’Ogalo showed its pedigree by snatching the lead with virtually the last kick of the half.
The goal was worthy of winning any game as Dan Sserunkuma’s brilliant looping header off Musa Mohammed’s cross left Jairus Adira grasping at thin air.
A second goal by the little Ugandan 10 minutes after the restart sealed the deal for the champions and only then did the party tricks come out.
In truth, Saturday’s game was a miniature of Gor Mahia’s season. It has been an odd year for K’Ogalo who have been against it both on and off the pitch.
While they have not played great, they have found the extra gear, which has kept them going. First up was tax issue with  Kenya Revenue Authority asking for over Sh100 million. That was followed by losing sponsorship when Tuzo left after being around for three years.
The June transfer window saw them lose key players in Teddy Akumu, Kevin Omondi, Rama Salim. To compound it all, title-winning coach Bobby Williamson was off to join Harambee Stars. Given these setbacks, it is incredible that Gor are favourites to retain the title. They have won the highest number of games, have the second best defence in the league and enjoy a healthy lead atop the log as the league enters its final six weeks.
Credit must go to the fans, who have rallied behind the team. Whether it’s by flocking the terraces or by using the paybill number to help the club or even being unusually peaceful this season, the green army has backed the side.
While they may have lost several quality players, the team’s star players have led by example. Skipper Onyango has been solid between the sticks, while David Owino takes no prisoners in defence.
Geoffrey Kizito has oozed class in midfield, while upfront, there is no better striker than Sserunkuma. The diminutive Ugandan leads the line with guile and skill that is unrivalled in the local scene.
Shrewd signing of Collins Okoth has helped plug the hole left by Akumu, while Timothy Otieno’s selfless runs have helped open up spaces for Sserunkuma.
Williamson’s succession plan also went smoothly with Frank Nuttall maintaining stability in the squad. Fringe players have stepped up. Eric Ochieng was out of form earlier in the year, but on Saturday, he covered every blade of glass in midfield while after months on the sidelines, George Odhiambo had his best game in a K’Ogalo shirt since his return.
With six games to go for most teams, the finish line is in sight. Over the last few years, 60 points have been enough to win the league in each of the last five seasons.
Gor thus need roughly 13 points from six games. They have a friendlier run-in as well, with only two games against teams in the half of the table and only two games away from the capital. They could actually better their performance from last season! Glory surely is beckoning for the champions!