Gor Mahia fans/HANDOUT Record SportPesa Premier League champions Gor Mahia have received a major boost ahead of Sunday's grand celebration, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino leading the tributes to a side that navigated the twists and turns of a demanding campaign before reclaiming the throne of Kenyan football.
A message carrying the seal of football's highest office arrived from Zurich on Friday, congratulating K'Ogalo after the club blazed to a record-extending 22nd Kenyan Premier League title, describing the achievement as the reward for sustained hard work and consistency throughout the season.
In a letter dated May 28 and addressed to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, the FIFA chief paid tribute to Gor Mahia's remarkable campaign, applauding the record champions for a season that carried them back to the pinnacle of Kenyan football.
"By means of this letter, I am pleased to congratulate the recently crowned champions of Kenya, Gor Mahia FC!" Infantino wrote.
"Their constant efforts and results throughout the season have paid off, resulting in this important title. Congratulations to every member of the team and of the club for this great achievement."
The message from FIFA headquarters in Zurich comes as Gor Mahia prepare for their official coronation on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium, where they will lift the league trophy following their final match of the season.
K'Ogalo sealed the championship on May 24 without kicking a ball after their closest challengers, AFC Leopards, suffered a 2-1 defeat to APS Bomet at Kericho Green Stadium. The result left Ingwe stranded on 64 points with one match remaining, making Gor Mahia's tally unreachable and confirming Charles Akonnor's side as champions.
The title marked a return to domestic dominance for the record champions after surrendering the crown to Kenya Police FC last season.
A crucial turning point in the race came on April 26 when Gor Mahia edged AFC Leopards 1-0 in the Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium. The victory handed K'Ogalo a decisive advantage heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
Under Ghanaian coach Charles Akonnor, Gor Mahia built their title charge on defensive discipline and consistency, recording 20 wins, nine draws and only four defeats. The backline, marshalled by Michael Kibwage, Sylvester Owino and goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, proved one of the league's most reliable units.
Following confirmation of the title, Gor Mahia were held to a goalless draw by Mara Sugar in midweek, but attention has already shifted to Sunday's coronation ceremony.
Club officials have urged supporters to carry white handkerchiefs to Nyayo Stadium in a coordinated celebration expected to transform the venue into a sea of white as the trophy is presented. Responding to FIFA's message, Hussein welcomed the recognition and said it reflected the progress being made within Kenyan football.
"On behalf of Football Kenya Federation, I acknowledge with gratitude FIFA's congratulatory message to Gor Mahia for winning the SportPesa League," Mohammed said.
"This gesture reflects FIFA's recognition of the progress being made in Kenyan football. It also reinforces the Federation's resolve to build a stronger, more competitive league that can consistently produce clubs capable of excelling in Africa."
Mohammed said the federation remains committed to strengthening the game and improving standards across the country.
"We thank FIFA for its support and encouragement, and we reaffirm our commitment to the growth and integrity of the game in Kenya," he added.
Beyond the trophy celebrations, Gor Mahia's triumph carries significant rewards. The champions will receive Sh15 million in prize money and earn Kenya's slot in next season's CAF Champions League, where they will seek to translate their domestic dominance onto the continental stage.
For K'Ogalo, the congratulatory message from football's highest office serves as further validation of a season in which they once again established themselves as the benchmark of Kenyan football.
As thousands of supporters prepare to descend on Nyayo Stadium for Sunday's coronation, Gor Mahia will not only be celebrating another league title but also the growing recognition of their achievements on the global stage.
