Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have revealed a squad of 25 players and seven officials set to compete in the CECAFA Kagame Cup, commencing on Tuesday, July 9, in Tanzania. The team, which aims to secure their fourth regional title, departed on Sunday night for the tournament’s return after a three-year hiatus.
Leading the Green Army are new signings Chris Akena, Samuel Kapen, and Congolese striker Gedeon Bendeka Mololia, who were recently unveiled by the 21-time Kenya Premier League champions.
Bendeka, joining from Rwandese side Etincelles FC, had an impressive season, scoring 13 goals in 22 games and finishing third in the top scorers’ list. Midfielder Akena arrives from Greek League 2 side Apollon Pontou FC.
The 21-year-old Ugandan has an extensive playing history, including stints at Aspire Academy in Qatar, Uganda Premier League side Maroons, Shabab Al Ahli Club, and Al Rams Club in the UAE. Samuel Kapen, another notable addition, comes from Nairobi City Stars, a top-flight side.
Key Players and Officials
Another player to watch is left-back Levin Odhiambo, who joined Gor Mahia midway through last season but was ineligible to play as he signed after the transfer window had closed.
The squad also features notable players like Rooney Onyango, Dolph Owino, Paul Ochuoga, Sylvester Owino, Austin Odhiambo, and Benson Omala, who recently competed in the COSAFA tournament in South Africa with the Emerging Stars.
The team’s technical bench is headed by Brazilian coach Leonardo Veira and assistant coach Zedekiah Otieno, who previously served with Sofapaka.
Group and Fixtures
Gor Mahia is placed in Pool B alongside Zambian champions Red Arrows, Sudanese giants Al Hilal, and Djibouti’s Telcom FC. Their campaign kicks off against Red Arrows on Wednesday at the Azam Complex, followed by matches against Telcom and Al Hilal. The tournament winner stands to gain over three million in prize money.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Kevin Omondi Onyango, Gad Mathews Otieno, Caleb Kefa Omondi
Defenders: Ronney Onyango, Paul Ochuoga, Geofrey Ochieng Okoth, Levin Joseph Odhiambo, Joshua Onyango Owino, Sylvester Owino Ahono, Kennedy Onyango Ouma,
Midfielders: Ernest Wendo Kisia, Philemon Otieno Omondi,Alpha Chris Onyango, Lawrence Ochieng, Juma Rodgers Ouma, Musa Masika Wanyama,Chris Akena, Austin Odhiambo
Forwards: Shariff Sabuni Sirengo, Boniface Omondi Owino, Samuel Kapen, Mark Shaban, Christopher Ochieng Oduor, Gedeon Bendeka Mololia,Benson Omalla
Management:
Leonardo Veira – Head Coach
Michael Nam – Assistant Coach
Zedekiah Otieno – Assistant Coach
Victor Nyaoro – Team Manager
John Nyakundi – Fitness Coach
Bonface Oluoch – Goalkeeper Coach
Fredrick Otieno – Physio
With a strong squad and experienced management team, Gor Mahia is poised to make a significant impact in the CECAFA Kagame Cup as they seek to bring the prestigious title back to Kenya.
