Gor now sing victory songs

Gor Mahia fans celebrate after clinching the FKF Premier League 2023 title against Nairobi City Stars at Kasarani Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

"K'Ogaaaloooo! Gooooorrrr! Gor Mahia!"

"K'Ogalo yoohh! Goooor timbe duto ywak ni!"

This famous song among K'Ogalo fans, which translates to 'Gor Mahia, many teams are crying because of your toughness' filled the air at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday evening after Gor Mahia won the 2023 FKF Premier League title.

In fact, instead of the players celebrating on the official podium with the trophy, it was the thousands of die-hard Gor fans who did their thing.

After the final whistle of Gor's 4-1 win over Nairobi City Stars, fans took over the podium and celebrated with the confetti whilst players lifting the trophy in the stands.

Despite many criticising the fans for spoiling the players' moment, it showed the happiness and joy of the fans though a little bit over the board. They were enjoying the feeling of being champions after a two-year hiatus.

Well, if you are a K'Ogalo fan, you might have joined the crowd that invaded the Kasarani Stadium playing ground because they just won the league with almost all odds against them if their campaign journey is anything to go by.

Gor were barred from signing and registering new players for two years after the club was found guilty of breaching the contractual terms between them and foreign players.

The club paid heavily as Fifa not only imposed the ban but also, rewarded the former players hefty compensation for the unlawful breach of contract. They begun the season with a lean squad of almost 18 senior players.

Gor Mahia FC Benson Omalla celebrate his goal during a past FKF Premier League match. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Benson Omalla single-handedly carried Gor on his back until the ban was lifted as he scored 15 goals between November last year and February.

When the delayed 2022-2023 FKF Premier League kicked off, nobody banked on Omalla to shine in Gor Mahia colours after his botched professional move in Sweden two years ago and his struggles in front of goal the previous season.

But being a product of the Kenya secondary school games where his talent was nurtured at Kisumu Day High School, many had predicted Omalla to be the next Michael Olunga.

It's because of Omalla's impressive form that has seen Gor reclaim the title from Tusker after two years of watching the yellow and black dance with the crown.

He scored a whopping 26 goals, matching a 47-year-old goal scoring record of Maurice 'Sonyi' Ochieng achieved in 1976.

After the ban was lifted in March, K'Ogalo were able to sign and register the likes of Enock Wanyama, Sylvester Owino, Shafiq Kagimu, Patrick Kaddu as well as Rwandese defender Emery Bayisenge, players who contributed largely in the second leg of the campaign.

Gor Mahia celebrate after clinching the FkF Premier League 2023 title against Nairobi City Stars at Kasarani, Sunday 25, June, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

As Gor Mahia celebrate, however, the season had its highs and lows.

The season started late in November 2022 with no broadcast partner, no title sponsor, and no money to pay referees. Clubs with no financial partners were hardest hit.

Relegated Vihiga Bullets twice dished out walkovers, and on countless occasions, appealed for assistance from the public.

Cases of alleged match fixing instances were rampant, with individuals arrested, but the league weathered the storm.

The fall of Mathare United shone a dark cloud over the state of our clubs with lack of sponsorship. After 25 years of top-flight football, the Slum Boys were relegated to the Super League.

On the brighter side though, Tanzanian giant pay television station, Azam TV aired the Mashemeji Derby live during the second leg encounter, a move that brings hope back of future live matches and media rights revenue for clubs and league.