Ahead of the Mashemeji Derby, we have tried to come up with as much content as possible on Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, two of the most successful local clubs and also with the hugest fan base. Gor will face a limping Ingwe at Kasarani on Saturday Afternoon.
Traditionally, Gor is associated with the Luo community. 99% of their fans are from Nyanza while as expected, their players also come from the region. After all, a bulk of Kenyan footballers are Luos.
But the current Gor Mahia squad is so confusing, looking closely, you will wonder if it is still a Luo club:
Their Captain is Luhya
I don’t know if there have been other Luhya captains at Gor but Haron Shakava is their current captain and also their most capped player. Shakava joined the club in 2014 and has been a rock at the back. He is the basis of their most recent success.
Their Best Player is a Kikuyu
Francis Kahata announced himself on the local scene after that spectacular free-kick against Nigeria in Calabar. He is one of the most talented playmaker Kenya has ever produced and currently plies his trade at K’Ogallo. His fans refer to him as the Kenyan Messi. If he was in Europe, then Kahata would have been a Spaniard. His style of play is similar to David Silva, Juan Mata and a certain Santi Carzola.
Their Most Promising Player is a Kalenjin
Yes, the hope of the club is carried by a certain Nicholas Kipkirui. The 22 year old is highly rated by coach Hassan Oktay to the point he started the high Profile CAF CC match against Zamalek last weekend. He played ahead of established names like Denis Oliech, Erisa Ssekisambu and Francis Mustapha. And he repaid the faith with a stunning goal.
They even Have a Turkana
Turkanas are not known to be great sports men. But Gor has a striker from the region in their books. Eliud Nanok Lokuwam became the first Turkana to score a goal in the KPL when he netted against Chemelil last season.