Gor Mahia's dominance in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) reached a climax in the 2018/19 season after winning their 18th league title and a third in a row.
As a result, K’Ogalo will keep the trophy for good and have the honour of representing the country once again in the Caf Champions League, hoping to go to the latter stages of the competition this time.
The 2019/20 season will be tougher for the Hassan Oktay led side since many clubs will be aiming at challenging for the crown. So what should Gor Mahia do to ensure they maintain their dominance?
Boost the defensive department
Goal Kenya.Next Match
The defense includes the goalkeeper as well as the defenders. It is one of the most important areas in any team.
Gor Mahia needs to bring on board a competitive goalkeeper who will push Fredrick Odhiambo to stay on his toes. As it stands, it seems that age has caught up with first choice custodian Boniface Oluoch who has been inconsistent for the team.
Shaban Odhoji is error-prone and cannot offer effective competition so Gor Mahia has to bring another custodian.
Another right back and left back are also needed to stabilize the ship. When Philemon Otieno and Ugandan Shafik Batambuze missed a couple of matches due to injuries last season, Gor Mahia struggled to find worthy replacements and something must be done to rectify this problem.
Sharpen the attacking area
K’Ogalo wingers are the reason why the team won the league title last season. For instance, Samuel Onyango and Nicholas Kipkirui scored a combined total of 17 goals.
Despite suffering numerous injuries, Rwandan striker Jacques Tuyisenge netted eight times with other players sharing a big junk of the goals.
Burundi international Francis Mustafa did not rise to the occasion when he was called upon and with Tuyisenge leaving the club after agreeing to sign for Petro Atletico of Angola, it is not going to be easy for Gor Mahia.
The Kenyan champions have to bring in an established striker who is not only lethal but to also create something out of nothing. A striker who can work his magic against tough defensive formations, the way Meddie Kagere used to achieve this before he left the side for Simba SC of Tanzania.
Keeping their best players
Goal Kenya.
Striker Jacques Tuyisenge is already set to leave the club while Goal understands midfielder Francis Kahata has also signed a pre-contract with Simba SC of Tanzania.
Captain Harun Shakava and defender Philemon Otieno are undecided. These are players with tremendous experience who can help Gor Mahia claim their fourth consecutive title next season.
Filling their positions is not going to be easy and the management has to act very fast and tie down Kahata, Shakava and Otieno with longer contracts that include improved wages.
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