Former Gor Mahia forward backs AFC Leopards to win tight title race
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 19.05.26. | 18:31
For the first time in many years, the country’s two biggest and most decorated clubs have gone toe-to-toe in the title race deep into the final stretch of the campaign
Former AFC Leopards forward Ezekiel Odera has expressed his delight at the fierce FKF Premier League title battle this season, describing the rivalry between Ingwe and Gor Mahia as a major boost for Kenyan football.
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For the first time in many years, the country’s two biggest and most decorated clubs have gone toe-to-toe in the title race deep into the final stretch of the campaign, with Gor currently holding a four-point advantage over Ingwe with only two matches left to play.
Odera, who featured for AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, Nairobi City Stars and KCB during his playing days, admitted the competitiveness shown by both sides has revived excitement among supporters.
“AFC Leopards have made me proud this season, and it is very nice to see that the two big clubs in Kenyan football history are fighting for the title almost until the end,” said Odera.
“These are the teams with the biggest fan bases in the country, and they have really excited and motivated their supporters. It is good to see the competition becoming top-notch again.”
Despite Gor Mahia sitting in pole position, the former striker still believes AFC Leopards can overturn the deficit and snatch the title.
According to Odera, the recently concluded Mashemeji Derby played a huge role in shaping the direction of the title race, although he remains hopeful Ingwe can still produce a dramatic finish.
“The return leg of the Mashemeji Derby was a decider, and I had prayed for AFC Leopards to win as a die-hard fan, but it did not happen,” he added.
“However, I still pray for them to win the title because the league is not over, and I believe they have the ability to turn the tables.”
Gor Mahia currently top the FKF Premier League standings with 68 points from 32 matches, while AFC Leopards sit second on 64 points from the same number of games.
K’Ogalo will conclude their campaign with an away clash against Mara Sugar before hosting Nairobi United in their final fixture of the season.
AFC Leopards, meanwhile, are set to face APS Bomet away before wrapping up the season at home against already relegated Bidco United.
As the pressure mounts in the title race, Gor have also received a massive morale boost after club chairman Ambrose Rachier unveiled an attractive bonus package aimed at motivating the squad in the final stretch.
The announcement came shortly after Gor Mahia’s commanding 3-1 victory over Murang’a Seal at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, 17 May, a result that restored their four-point cushion at the top.
“During a productive meeting with the squad, Rachier pledged a Ksh5 million bonus should K’Ogalo seal this year’s championship, the amount will be shared between the players and technical bench,” read part of the club statement.
The club further confirmed that winning bonuses had also been increased to Ksh10,000 per player for every victory, with the payments already effected in the team’s last six matches.
The incentives are expected to further motivate Gor Mahia as they chase a record-extending 22nd league title while attempting to keep AFC Leopards at bay in one of the fiercest title races witnessed in recent seasons.