Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have threatened to spoil the Simba Day 2025 celebrations when they face Tanzanian giants Simba SC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The record Kenyan champions landed the official invite to grace the annual celebrations where they will get an opportunity to test themselves against a quality opponent ahead of their upcoming 2025/26 league campaign.
Speaking ahead of the match, newly appointed head coach Charles Akonnor revealed that Gor would approach the match with all the seriousness it deserves despite just being a friendly clash.
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“We are excited about the game against Simba. We are all obviously in preseason training and it seems like this is going to be our final tough match, so we want to test our levels of play.
We have given information to the players and this match will be a test of how they retain it and process it on the field of play. Even though it is a friendly, we are taking the match very seriously.
It is a very big test for us and we want to do well. We do not want to tarnish the celebration but we want to celebrate with them by playing well and winning,” he told SportPesa Blog.
Gor Mahia ready to spoil Simba Day party
On his part, captain Philemon Otieno promised a good fight from the team as they look to get one over the hosts.
“We are happy to be here because it is a special day for Simba. We are ready to give a good fight and spoil the party,” he said.
Gor Mahia named a 25-man travelling squad that also includes players from the Harambee Stars squad that played in the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 and the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Some of the Harambee Stars players include Austine Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango, Michael Kibwage, Lewis Bandi, Ben Stanley Omondi and Sylvester Owino among others.
New signings Siraj Mohammed, Fidel Origa, Felix Oluoch and the Ghanaian duo of George Amonoo and Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw are also part of the contingent making the trip.
What is Simba Day?
Simba Day is an annual celebration organized by Tanzanian outfit Simba just before the start of a new season. The club uses the occasion to unveil new signings ahead of the Tanzania Premier League campaign.
Simba also curates the day into a festival where top artists mostly from the country entertain the crowds with live performances.
The climax of the festivities ends with a friendly match between Simba and an invited club which is going to be Gor Mahia in 2025.
Gor Mahia travelling squad for Simba Day 2025
GOALKEEPERS: Gad Mathews, Kevin Omondi
DEFENDERS: Philemon Otieno, Paul Ochuoga, Bryton Onyona, Sylvester Owino, Joshua Onyango, Mike Kibwage, Lewis Bandi, Siraji Mohammed
MIDFIELDERS: Ernest Wendo, Lawrence Juma, Enock Morrison, Fidel Origa, Ben Stanley, Austin Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango
FORWARDS: Samuel Kapen, Patrick Essombe, Chris Ochieng, George Amonoo, Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw, Shariff Musa, Felix Ouoch, Mark Shaban
TECHNICAL STAFF
Head Coach – Charles Akonnor
Assistant Coach – Kobi-Mensah Bismark
Goalkeeper Coach – Ben Owu
Video Analyst – Joshua Kofi
Team Doctor – Brian Odongo
Kit Manager – Ibrahim Odero
