Gor Mahia legend and former captain Jerim Onyango has called on K’Ogalo to significantly strengthen key areas of their squad ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign, warning that domestic success alone is not enough to compete at the continental level.
Onyango emphasized that while winning the FKF Premier League remains important, Gor Mahia must now raise their standards in recruitment and squad depth if they are to challenge Africa’s top clubs.
His remarks come at a crucial moment as Gor Mahia prepare for another continental challenge, where Kenyan champions have often struggled against more experienced North and North-West African sides.
Three Key Areas Gor Mahia Must Strengthen
According to Onyango’s assessment, Gor Mahia’s biggest weaknesses heading into the new season lie in three main departments:
1. Defence Needs Leadership and Stability
Onyango believes Gor Mahia must reinforce their backline, particularly in central defence and full-back positions. He notes that defensive lapses and lack of leadership have previously cost the team in high-pressure continental matches.
He argues that CAF Champions League football demands experienced defenders who can maintain concentration for the full 90 minutes.
2. Midfield Control Remains a Concern
The former goalkeeper also highlighted the midfield as another area needing urgent attention.
He insists Gor Mahia require a more creative and disciplined midfielder capable of controlling the tempo of games, especially against physically and tactically superior opponents in Africa.
Without midfield dominance, he warns, Gor Mahia risk being overrun in continental fixtures.
3. Striker Recruitment is Crucial
Onyango further stressed the importance of signing a proven goal scorer.
He believes Gor Mahia must bring in a clinical forward who can convert limited chances in CAF competitions, where matches are often decided by small margins.
Blunt Criticism of Foreign Signings
Onyango also delivered a frank assessment of Gor Mahia’s foreign players, stating that several have not lived up to expectations.
He suggested that while a few imports have shown potential, many have failed to deliver consistent performances or make a meaningful impact in key matches.
According to him, foreign players at Gor Mahia must immediately raise the team’s level, especially in continental football, but that has not been the case across the board.
Winning the League Is Not Enough
Onyango warned that success in the FKF Premier League should only be viewed as a stepping stone.
He stressed that CAF Champions League football requires stronger squad depth, better tactical discipline, and higher-quality recruitment if Gor Mahia are to progress beyond the early stages.
His message is clear: Gor Mahia must evolve or risk repeating past continental disappointments.
A Reality Check for K’Ogalo
As Gor Mahia prepare for their next CAF Champions League campaign, Jerim Onyango’s comments serve as a strong reality check for the club.
Strengthening defence, improving midfield creativity, and signing a reliable striker will be key if K’Ogalo are to compete with Africa’s elite.
At the same time, pressure is mounting on the club’s foreign recruits to deliver, or risk being replaced in a squad aiming for continental success.
