New Gor Mahia signing banking on CHAN experience to deal with K'Ogalo pressure
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 27.08.25. | 08:04
He believes the experience gained while featuring for Kenya in the ongoing CHAN tournament will be key in equipping him and his fellow Harambee Stars teammates at the club with the necessary mental strength
Newly acquired Gor Mahia left back Siraj Mohamed says he is counting on his recent exploits at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to help him cope with the pressure that comes with representing the record FKF Premier League champions.
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The experienced defender, who completed his move from Bandari FC before the start of the continental tournament after meeting with the club's deputy patron Eliud Owalo, was officially unveiled by Gor Mahia two weeks ago.
Mohamed joins K’Ogalo at a time when the club has been active in the transfer market, reinforcing the squad with several national team players ahead of the new campaign, where Gor seeks to reclaim domestic dominance after a trophyless campaign last season.
Speaking to Gor Mahia TV, Mohamed admitted that playing for the 21-time league champions carries immense expectations.
However, he believes the experience gained while featuring for Kenya in the ongoing CHAN tournament will be key in equipping him and his fellow Harambee Stars teammates at the club with the necessary mental strength.
"It is a solid move for me, but the work ahead is demanding and won’t be easy because I know the magnitude and pressure that comes with playing for a club like Gor Mahia.
But I, together with my teammates with whom we were in the national team, will handle it because the experience we have gained from CHAN will help a lot,” Mohamed said.
The 26-year-old featured in three matches as Kenya made a memorable debut in the continental competition, topping Group A with ten points before bowing out in the knockout stage after a tense, dramatic penalty shootout defeat.
Mohamed successfully converted his spot kick in that clash, underlining his composure under pressure.
Born in Mombasa and popularly known as “Mastermind”, Mohamed has been one of Bandari’s most consistent performers since joining the Dockers in 2017.
His switch to Gor Mahia marks the next step in a career he says he has been diligently building towards.
"It’s a big move for me, and I was expecting it because I have been working towards it while at Bandari. It is the right time to make the move, and hopefully it will help further my career,” he added.
Mohamed is among the high-profile signings unveiled by the record Kenyan champions, joining a list that includes Harambee Stars quartet of Bryne Omondi, Michael Kibwage, former AFC Leopards vice-captain Lewis Bandi and ex-Kariobangi Sharks forward Felix Oluoch.
Others are Bandari anchorman Fidel Origa and former Darajani Gogo striker Veron Ombima.
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