CAF Champions League: Kibwage handed Gor Mahia captaincy for Pyramids clash
By Joel Masibo, September 6, 2026Gor Mahia will turn to defender Mike Kibwage for leadership when they face Egyptian powerhouse Pyramids FC in their CAF Champions League encounter at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday, September 6, 2026, Gor Mahia revealed that the 28-year-old centre-back is expected to wear the captain’s armband after regular skipper Sylvester Owino was ruled out through injury.
Kibwage, who serves as the club’s first assistant captain, has already established himself as one of the senior figures within Gor Mahia’s revamped leadership group. His appointment as acting captain now gives him an opportunity to guide the team through one of its most demanding fixtures of the campaign.
“Defender Mike Kibwage is set to take on an even bigger responsibility when K’Ogalo face Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League today, with the experienced centre-back expected to lead the sqaud n the absence of injured captain Sylvester Owino,” a section of the statement read.
The assignment will also mark Kibwage’s first appearance in the CAF Champions League, adding another milestone to what has been an increasingly prominent role at K’Ogalo.
Despite his lack of Champions League experience, Kibwage is no stranger to high-pressure matches. He previously captained Gor Mahia at the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Rwanda, where he gained valuable experience leading the side.
He was also skipper during Gor Mahia’s emphatic 5-0 victory over APR FC and made his presence felt by finding the net with the opening goal.
Kibwage’s promotion comes after Owino took over as Gor Mahia captain in July 2026, following Philemon Otieno’s retirement from the position after a long spell as club skipper. Kibwage and Alpha Onyango were subsequently appointed as his deputies.
Familiar foes
Gor Mahia’s meeting with the North African side adds another chapter to a long-running Kenyan-Egyptian football rivalry that dates back more than five decades.
K’Ogalo will approach the fixture on home soil knowing that the Egyptian opposition has traditionally proved difficult for them.
Before Pyramids, Gor Mahia had crossed paths with Al Ittihad Alexandria, Ismaily, Zamalek and ENPPI, producing some memorable victories, painful defeats and historic moments along the way.