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Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya has urged Gor Mahia FC to emulate their Tanzanian neighbours Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Simba SC after successfully defending their FKF Premier League title on Sunday.

K’Ogalo were crowned champions following a 3-0 victory against Muhoroni Youth at SportPesa Arena. Goals from Benson Omalla, Boniface Omondi, and Austin Odhiambo ensured that Gor Mahia reached an unassailable 67 points at the summit with closest challengers Tusker, who are eleven points behind, poised to afford 65, which will be two less if they win their remaining three matches.

Addressing the latest success of the Green Army, which saw them win a record 21st title in the history of Kenyan football, Nyamweya, who doubles up as the Shabana patron, called on the new champions to shift their focus to the CAF Champions League for next season and further urged the government to lend them a hand in their quest to perform well in the competition.

“Gor Mahia should now shift attention to the CAF Champions League where they are going to represent the country next season,” said Nyamweya in a statement obtained by People Sports. “This is a competition no Kenyan club has won, but we must take cue from our neighbors Tanzania whose clubs Yanga and Simba are now respected across Africa for their performances.

“We all know Gor Mahia has what it takes to bring back continental glory to Kenya having done the same in 1987 when it became the first and so far, the only club in East Africa to achieve this feat by winning the Africa Cup Winners Cup. The government should put in mechanisms to assist Gor Mahia in its quest for continental glory.”

Nyamweya further admitted that Gor Mahia had cemented their position as the undisputed and most successful team in the country by winning the title. “I take this opportunity as a football stakeholder and supporter of community-based clubs to congratulate Gor Mahia for winning the 2023-24 title,” added Nyamweya.

“By winning their 21st league title, Gor Mahia have cemented their position as the undisputed and the most successful club in Kenyan football. Pride of place should go to the players and the technical bench, who have shown resilience even in adverse conditions to continue dictating Kenyan football, something that is worth being emulated by other community-based clubs.

“I also congratulate the club’s management led by Ambrose Rachier, who has put in his time and efforts over the last decade taking Gor Mahia from the doldrums and threat of relegation to re-emerge as the Kings of Kenyan football.”

The veteran administrator thanked Cabinet Secretary for IT Eliud Owalo for his continued support of community clubs saying it has helped the teams a great deal. “At the same time, I credit my friend Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo whose continued support to Gor Mahia and by extension AFC Leopards and  Shabana has given the three leading community clubs something to smile about.

“Owalo has financially supported Gor Mahia and extended his giving hand to AFC Leopards and Shabana. I also want to encourage Shabana to put up a strong fight in the last few games to ensure they survive relegation. Shabana has brought more interest in the league since its promotion and while the performance has not been to the required expectation, the management and technical bench are working tirelessly to ensure the club retains its status in the top league.”