Gor Mahia skipper Philemon Otieno has spoken on the importance of a winning result ahead of the team’s league clash against Sofapaka on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Otieno termed the match a must-win for the reigning Kenya Premier League (KPL) champions, who will be out to maintain their quest for the league title.

“The mood is good; we are pushing hard for the game against Sofapaka over the weekend. We are going for maximum points as the league is taking shape, and we need to work hard and ensure we win,” Otieno said in an interview with the club media.

Otieno has further urged their fans to turn up for the clash and cheer the team on.

 “At Gor, we are also under pressure because of the demands to win every game, so I want to urge them to turn up in large numbers and give us the support we need,” he said.

Gor Mahia will be boosted by the return of prolific striker Benson Omalla, who marked his return to the team in the weekend’s 2-0 win over Bandari in the Football Kenya Federation Cup.

The Premier League giants on April 9 confirmed the player’s eligibility to feature again after he ended his association with Lebanese side Al Safa.
Omalla had been training with Gor Mahia and was the subject of transfer interest from KPL rivals, Shabana FC.

Speaking on his return, Mihic expressed optimism about the early signs of a player he admitted to knowing little about.

“He (Benson) is a serious player. We have those who know him better than me, but I have heard about him and his 20 goals every season,” he said. 
Title chase

Omalla’s return comes as Gor Mahia seeks to shore up its quest in what has been a faltering bid to defend its league title.

The club is eyeing a record-extending 22nd league title with less than nine games to conclude the campaign. Mihic believes his coming will prove timely.

“So now that he is back, we are a very good team with very good players on the bench. I think we are now on the path to defending our title,” Mihic stressed.