Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will be kickstarting a new era when they host Bidco United in their 25/26 SportPesa League opener at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday afternoon.
The 21-time Kenyan champions endured a terrible campaign in the 24/25 season that saw them go trophyless for the first time since 2016, having lost the league title to Kenya Police FC and being beaten in the cup final by minnows Nairobi United.
On the back of that season, K’Ogalo fired its entire technical bench and ushered in new leadership led by former Ghana national team head coach Charles Akonnor who has been entrusted with reclaiming their glory.
Gor Mahia face Bidco in season opener
The very first task for the former Wolfsburg and Black Stars captain will be a clash against Anthony Akhulia’s Bidco as they seek the perfect start in the new season.
Akonnor had the perfect opportunity to assess the team as they concluded their preseason with a friendly clash against Simba in Dar es Salaam on 10 September, a match they lost 2-0.
Speaking ahead of their opener, Gor assistant coach Bismark Kobi-Mensah emphasized the importance of starting right as they chase a record-extending 22nd league title.
“We seriously want to start the season very well because we have a plan and to achieve it, we need to start well. This means the first game is very crucial to us. The preparations have not been the very best but it is okay to start the season.
This week, we have seen that players are very sharp and have shown their readiness for the first game of the season,” he told SportPesa Blog.
K’Ogalo will need to be at their best as Bidco have always proven to be their bogey team. The Thika-based side is unbeaten against Gor in their last two matches (1W 1D).
Having just escaped relegation last season courtesy of a superior goal difference, Bidco will also be out to get a good start in the SportPesa League.
The match kicks off at 1600EAT.