Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Gor captain: It is not possible to lose in Homa Bay

Gor fans

Gor Mahia fans rally behind their team during an FKF Premier League match against Sofapaka at Dandora Stadium on April 19, 2025.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • The 12,000-capacity Raila Odinga Stadium has been undergoing upgrades recently.
  • The 61st Madaraka Day will be staged at the stadium on Sunday with national celebration led by President William Ruto.

“Even the juogi (spirit) of Ogalo (father of Gor Mahia) cannot allow us to lose in Homa Bay. It is not possible.”

These were the words of Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno Thursday as he rallied fans to throng Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay in their numbers on Monday for their Football Kenya Federation Premier League second leg match against arch rivals AFC Leopards.

This will be the first 'Mashemeji' derby league fixture to be staged outside Nairobi since Leopards hosted Gor at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru in 2011.

“Homa Bay is our home and we will be very comfortable playing in front of our fans outside Nairobi. This club has a rich history in Homa Bay which is also its origin and therefore the question of losing is not even there,” said Otieno.

The defender says the prospects of Gor losing the game is not even there given they are in the title race which requires them to bag maximum points and they don’t want to disappoint their fans.

“We have played at Raila Odinga before but this will be a special occasion. Everybody in the team is determined to give it their. We are fighting to win the league,” he added.

The stakes are already high ahead of the game since Gor Mahia are in a fierce battle for the league title with Kenya Police.

On the other hand, AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has never lost to K’Ogalo both as a player and as a coach and is determined to maintain that record.

As the host team, Gor have set the gate charges as 3,000 for VIP and Sh300 for regular.

Fans who had earlier bought their tickets for the postponed Mashemeji derby of May 11 will be refunded their tickets.

Gor communication said their were no tickets reserved for the visiting team and all tickets were available to the public.

The 12,000-capacity Raila Odinga Stadium has been undergoing upgrades recently.

The 61st Madaraka Day will be staged at the stadium on Sunday with national celebration led by President William Ruto.

“The military activities won't interfere with the playing surface since they will be done at the edge and on the sides,” FKF Nyanza Regional National Executive Committee Member Collins Kalee told Nation Sport. 

Gor, under acting coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno, will leave Nairobi for Homa Bay on Sunday evening.