A former AFC Leopards player is calling on Kenyan football teams to challenge Gor Mahia’s dominance and rejuvenate league competition.
There have been signs that the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title race might turn into a one-horse race, and now it seems certain as Gor Mahia is just three matches away from securing yet another championship.
Charles Okwemba, a notable former star of AFC Leopards, has issued a strong plea to the Kenyan football community, urging leading clubs to put an end to Gor Mahia’s significant control over the league. Since 2013, Gor Mahia has won eight of the 11 league titles, with Tusker FC being the only club to interrupt their winning streak by clinching titles in 2016, 2021, and 2022.
“There are teams like Tusker, Leopards, and Bandari who should be capable of challenging Gor Mahia’s dominance,” Okwemba expressed during an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday.
The ex-captain of AFC Leopards is eager to see other clubs step up and present a stronger challenge to Gor Mahia’s supremacy. He also highlighted the promising yet inconsistent performances of teams like City Stars and Posta Rangers, who start the league strongly but fail to sustain their form.
“The possibility of a single team consistently winning the league raises concerns about the competitiveness of our football. A league that lacks robust competition among its teams becomes monotonous and does not meet the standards necessary to be regarded as one of the best on the continent,” he added.
Reflecting on history, AFC Leopards were once fierce rivals to Gor Mahia, competing closely from the 1960s through the 1990s. However, their recent decline has allowed Gor Mahia to strengthen their hold on Kenyan football.
Gor Mahia is currently on track to secure their 21st league title, leading the table with 60 points after 28 matches. They hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Kenya Police FC with just six games remaining.
