After 15 years of failed dreams, Gor have destiny in their hands

Ninety minutes of football, a simple 1-0 win separates Gor Mahia and their first Kenyan Premier League title in 17 years.

Gor Mahia followers have waited since 1995; they have seen their club go to near obscurity where they survived relegation via some boardroom decision, to nearly claiming the title two years ago when they finished second to Ulinzi Stars.

However, this year the followers have all reasons to believe their time has come.

It may end up in tears if Gor fail to win and Tusker FC and AFC Leopards win their matches this coming weekend - the closing weekend of the season.

Should Gor Mahia produce the kind of performance they did against a woeful Muhoroni Youth on Sunday at the City Stadium, then the Green Army will be marching all the way from the City Stadium in celebration of hard won title.

Yes, hard won considering where Gor Mahia was in April.

They were in 14th position with six points from seven game with a negative goal difference, sixteen points behind the then leaders AFC Leopards.

The fans had even forgotten how sweet a win feels like; the players had fallen so low in confidence.

But that has changed, an 18 match unbeaten run since April 21st when they lost to Ulinzi Stars has propelled Gor Mahia to the summit of the league and today, what the fans never imagined seven months ago is happening, Gor Mahia are just a plain win away from being the champions of Kenya.

Will manage the pressure

“We are not celebrating yet. We know what lies ahead is challenging. We have to be focused, committed and strong enough to manage the pressure ahead,” said coach Zdravko Logarusic.

He knows Tusker and AFC Leopards lie in wait should his side fumble. “It is now in our hands. We cannot afford to falter now,” he added.

Tusker beat Western Stima 2-0 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday and AFC Leopards were 4-2 winners over a stubborn Mathare United on Saturday in Mumias.

Leopards' victory on Saturday piled pressure on Gor Mahia but other results may have aided Gor Mahia’s sublime performance against Muhoroni Youth.

Muhoroni had known they have survived relegation after City Stars and Rangers played to a barren draw. The Muhoroni Youth side had nothing to lose and everything to gain; the gate collection was mouthwatering.

That aside, the race for the title remains tight. Gor Mahia have 58 points, Tusker and AFC Leopards have 57 each.

“It is now in Gor Mahia hands. We can only stop them if they lose to Thika and we win. But at this point, we can only pray that happens,” said AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops.

AFC Leopards play away to Chemelil Sugar while Tusker face City Stars at the Hope Centre.

Gor Mahia will be at City Stadium against Thika United in the milk derby.