Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry was over the moon after guiding his charges to a record 21st Kenyan Premier League title on Sunday.
K’Ogalo were crowned champions after opening an 11-point lead with only three rounds left to wrap up the season.
They got the job done and dusted following a resounding 3-0 win over relegation-bound Muhoroni Youth at St. Sebastian Park in Murang’a County in a match watched by, among others, ICT CS Eliud Owalo.
The victory fired them to 67 points, 11 better than their closest challengers, Tusker who dislodged Kenya Police from second spot with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph at the Police Sacco on Saturday.
The Ruaraka-based Brewers can only earn a maximum of 65 points from all their remaining matches. A visibly elated McKinstry lavished praise on his charges, saying their splendid performance warmed his heart.
“We had a brilliant game against Muhoroni and all our players were in good shape. The season is as good as done but we still have a few light tasks left to finish the job. We intend to sign off on a high,” McKinstry remarked.
“We want to gather maximum points from our remaining matches and it will be exciting to treat our fans to some spectacular football against Sofapaka, Talanta and Bidco.”
He was thrilled to win a second straight title in his third season with the Kenyan giants after joining them in 2022.
“It’s a feat that I was determined to achieve again this season and I’m happy I’ve accomplished the target,” he said.
K’Ogalo face Sofapaka, Talanta and Bidco United on June 16,18 and 23 respectively.
Gor had their intentions clear from the start, relentlessly ransacking the opponent’s final third in a vicious hunt for goals.
Benson Omalla struck his 15th goal of the season seconds to the breather to reignite his aspirations for the Golden Boot.
Bonface Omondi then latched onto a piercing pass to bury his effort at close range three minutes after the restart before enterprising midfielder Austin Odhiambo capped off his dazzling performance with a 65th-minute rasping strike.
Gor Mahia had previously won the title in 1968, 1974, 1976, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023.
In other matches on Sunday, Nzoia Sugar’s relegation woes heightened with a barren draw against Nairobi City Stars at Sudi Stadium, Bungoma. Bandari clawed back from a two-goal deficit to hold Sofapaka in Ukunda.
Bidco ended AFC Leopards’ three-match winning streak with a 1-0 win at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.