- Gor Mahia assistant coach Bismark Mensah has identified set pieces as a key area the team will focus on ahead of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season.
- The team’s assessment will be based on their recent 2-0 defeat to Simba SC in an international friendly, which exposed weaknesses in defending and executing set plays.
- Gor Mahia are set to kick off their league campaign on Sunday, September 21, against Bidco United at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani (4:00 PM EAT).
Gor Mahia assistant coach Bismark Mensah has highlighted the key factor they will be working on ahead of the new season following a 2-0 defeat to Simba Sports Club in an international friendly played in Tanzania on Wednesday, September 10.
The two hard-fought goals were scored by Mohammed Hamza and Steven Mukwala, who ensured the Tanzanian heavyweights concluded their celebrations on a high at a packed Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Nonetheless, the match served as an opportunity for K’Ogalo to assess their squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, which kicks off in four days.
Set-piece concerns prompt honest assessment at Gor Mahia after Tanzania loss
Speaking to the SportPesa Blog after the match, Ghanaian international Mensah stated that they will return home to evaluate their performance and rectify the areas where they fell short, particularly in defending set pieces.
I think we will do an honest assessment before the season starts,” Mensah stated.
There are specific areas where we fell short, especially in how we handle set pieces. The first goal came very early from a set piece and was scored through a header. The players have to take responsibility at the end of the day.”
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The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) season is set to kick off this weekend, with the curtain-raiser expected to be played on Friday, September 19, when Tusker takes on KCB at the Nyayo National Stadium under the floodlights.
Gor Mahia kick off their campaign to reclaim the top flight title against Bidco
For K’Ogalo, their season begins on Sunday, September 21, as they face Bidco United at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from 4:00 PM EAT.
Therefore, Mensah states that their sole focus for the remaining days is to ensure they rectify their weaknesses.
“We have a plan before the season starts. We will go back, assess, and analyze the video against Simba. If we are satisfied with that, we will just do the corrections where we went wrong.
We just have one week of preparation for the new season, and this week will give us the big picture on whether we need another friendly match to work on our mistakes or not.”
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To steer the ship for the 25/26 campaign, Gor Mahia acquired the services of Ghanaian tactician Charles Akonnor.
The experienced manager, who has coached several clubs in Ghana including Asante Kotoko, signed a two-year deal with the club.
K’Ogalo have also bolstered their roster with notable signings, including Fidel Origa (defensive midfielder), Siraj Mohammed (left-back), Michael Kibwage (defender), Bryne Omondi (goalkeeper), Lewis Bandi (defender), and Felix Oluoch (striker), among others, as they aim to reclaim the top-flight title that eluded them last season.