The team’s first stop is sometimes in Homa Bay where they visit the spiritual home of the legendary Gor Mahia in Kanyamua.
According to Gor Mahia FC secretary General, the team visits the home to get the blessings from the ancestors of Gor Mahia the legend.
“We want the team to get the blessings from the ancestors of the man himself in his homestead before we commence the season.” He said.
So what is behind the club’s name Gor Mahia?
Gor is derived from Luo name Gor Wuod Ogada nyakwar Ogalo which means Gor son of Ogada grandson of Ogalo. Gor Ogalo was a highly venerated medicine man from Homabay, Homabay county believed to possess supernatural powers.
Mahia on the other hand is a Dholuo word used to express a deep sense of awe, fascination and mystery. Hence the combination of the two words Gor and Mahia became a befitting name to bequeath the community club Gor Mahia.
Then there is also K’Ogalo widely used by the club, this is a Luo word used to mean Of House/Homestead of Ogalo and this is the home visited by the team .
The players also have dinner at the homestead.
It was expected that just as the mystical legend it was named after, Gor Mahia would possess similar mystical characteristics. Convincingly Gor Mahia has managed to live up to its reputation which must keep Gor Wuod Ogada nyakwar Ogalo smiling in his grave.
” we visit this place so the players can be able to understand their roots and also to get the blessings.” Bwana says.
Gor Mahia had their eyes set on winning the Kenyan Premier League this year, retaining their Top 8 and FKF Cup titles, the Charity Cup and also performing well.