Eliud Owalo: Gor Mahia will go into CAF Champions League as effective competitors
Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo has admitted that the record Kenyan Premier League champions will be heading into the 2026/27 CAF Champions League as effective competitors but not mere participants.
Gor Mahia were recently crowned 2025/26 Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions, securing a record-extending 22nd league title and further cementing the club’s status as the most successful team in Kenyan football.
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The title marked a successful return to the summit after they narrowly missed out on the championship last season, officially dethroning defending champions Police FC. The league crown was when the league’s closest rivals, AFC Leopards, failed to keep pace in the title race, handing K’Ogalo an unassailable lead at the top of the table even before their final match against Nairobi United.
The championship caps off a remarkable campaign that saw Gor Mahia reclaim the title and qualify for next season’s CAF Champions League.
Owalo on CAF Champions League
“Gor Mahia will not go into the CAF Champions League as mere participants but effective competitors. Qualifying for the CAF Champions League is a major milestone. By building on the legacy of the 1987 team and working together with strong technical guidance from the bench, we can compete effectively and make Kenya proud on the continental stage one more time,” Owalo said via a Facebook post on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Eliud Owalo’s declaration comes even as Gor Mahia have never reached the group stage of the CAF Champions League. The qualification has eluded all Kenyan clubs. Their best modern performance was in the 2024–25 season when they advanced to the second round before being eliminated by Egyptian giants Al Ahly (0-3 and 0-3).
FIFA’s recognition
Meanwhile, after reclaiming their title, FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Gor Mahia FC for clinching the 2025/26 FKF Premier League crown.
In a statement issued through the Football Kenya Federation, Infantino praised the seasoned campaigners for their consistency and competitive edge throughout the season.
“I am pleased to congratulate the recently crowned champions of Kenya, Gor Mahia FC,” Infantino said.
The FIFA boss highlighted the relentless effort that defined K’Ogalo’s path to glory.
“Their constant efforts and results through the season have paid off, resulting in this important title. Congratulations to each and every member of the team and of the club for this great achievement,” he added.
Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, the most decorated club leader in the league’s history, said the message from world football’s highest office carries special weight.
“We are happy as a club… this marks the first time a FIFA president has personally congratulated us on our performance. It means the world to us, as it validates our efforts and adds authenticity and credibility to our victory.
“President Infantino’s message is a clear acknowledgement of the hard work we have invested throughout the season to achieve this success. Above all, it firmly puts to rest any allegations of unfair play from the naysayers, once and for all,” Rachier stated.
