Fan Zone History

Shabana FC: While you were away

While you took a two-decade detour from top-flight football, battling it out in the lower leagues against the likes of Bogichora FC, Nyakimencha United, Magwagwa Stars, and Bomwacha United, the world of football didn’t pause—just ask Gor Mahia!

During your time locked in rural life, Gor Mahia soared to greatness, reaping trophies and making history while proudly showcasing the K’Ogalo name on both local and international stages.

Since your inception in 1980, what have you truly achieved? Your proudest moments include:

Jaque Tuyisenge (left) handing over arm band to Denis Oliech

– Bagging the FKF Division One title in 2014
– Climbing up to the NSL in 2018
– Snagging the NSL champions title in the 2022/2023 season

But let’s be real—are these accolades truly trophies? They’re simply promotions up the football ladder. Even teams like Muhoroni Youth, Mara Sugar, Kisumu All Stars, and Migori Youth have claimed similar achievements. If we start counting these as trophies, we might as well hang our KCPE results and VCT reports on the wall!

Yes, you made a cameo on the continental stage in 1988, finishing third not entirely by merit, but because Gor Mahia’s triumph in the CAF Cup in 1987 allowed you to hitch a ride aboard their coattails. You managed just two matches before retreating back to Gusii Stadium—like a timid village chicken tied down!

Michael Olunga in action during his time and Gor Mahai and Harambee Stars

Now, let’s dive into those 20 years you spent wandering the wilderness of lower leagues.

In that timeframe, Gor Mahia was busy dominating the Kenyan Premier League, winning it a staggering nine times—including an unbeatable season—and clinching the FKF President’s Cup four times and the Super Cup six times. They even added two SuperSport Top 8 Cups to their overflowing trophy cabinet.

While you were grappling with Magwagwa FC on a dusty pitch, Gor Mahia was strutting through England, facing Everton at Goodison Park. On that day, Wesley Onguso was on the bench, likely soaking in the energy of legends like Walcott, Rooney, and Yerry Mina. Even Hull City, a well-known football club, had to make the trip to Kasarani Stadium to face K’Ogalo in a friendly manner.

That same year, Gor Mahia reached the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals, toppling colossal teams such as Zamalek SC (Egypt), Petro de Luanda (Angola), and NA Hussein Dey (Algeria). Have you seen the names Bogichora FC or Nyakoero Stars thrown around with those giants? No way—those are your league peers!

Gor Mahia vs Hull City at Kasarani

In your two-decade absence, Gor Mahia:

– Competed in the CAF Champions League a dazzling ten times
– Gathered an impressive 22 trophies officially recognized by FIFA
– Proudly waved the Kenyan flag across both Africa and Europe

Now that you’ve returned, puffed up like you’ve conquered Mount Kenya, where do you find the nerve to cast aspersions at Gor Mahia—the son of Ogalo?

Let’s get one thing straight: even your most esteemed traditional healers—Otengo Nyamaterere, Getambe, Ombati, Murumbi, and Moral wa Ng’iti—wouldn’t dare challenge Gor. So, who do you think you are?

You owe a big apology to Gor Mahia. Without us, you’d still be lost en route to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, clutching a ticket for Otange to travel to Kisii.

Do you understand why God is known as Mahono? Sirkal? Chuor Timber (Husband of the teams)? NyamNyam?

Have you heard of Juogi? That’s the spirit fueling our fans—something beyond your grasp, which is why you were told that hosting Gor at Gusii Stadium was a no-go. You behaved like a teenager just discovering the ups and downs of growing up—eager yet unprepared. You’re not ready to feast with giants.

What you’re attempting now—we achieved 20 years ago. We sang, danced, traveled, and fought with fervor.

The Gor Mahia army is battle-hardened. We’ve fought in Luanda, Mumias, Karuturi, Awendo, Machakos, Thika, and Mbaraki… experiences that are beyond your imagination—and likely will remain so.

When you welcome Gor Mahia, remember: we’ll throw stones—regardless of provocation. When Juogi awakens, we’ll storm into your stadium, seize all three points right under your fans’ noses, leaving you bewildered. You’ll be left scratching your head, wondering how the goal even materialized.

That’s Gor Mahia—the Magician! We thrive in confusion and under pressure. That’s when we strike!

With the battle lines drawn, brace yourself—it won’t be easy to play peacefully in any stadium across Kenya. The spirit of Gor Mahono will shadow you. Peace will elude you.

“Gor ok ok siem!” (You can’t point fingers at Gor)

You can brand yourselves the Glamour Boys, but where’s the glamour?

Tore bop chieth!

In my humble opinion…
Gahk Wuon Gahk!

The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Gor News.

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