Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is present with the Gor Mahia jersey from the club chairman, Ambrose Rachier and captain Philemon Otieno (R) / HANDOUT Having added another jewel to their domestic crown, Gor Mahia are now turning their attention to a prize that has long shimmered on the distant horizon.
K’Ogalo on Thursday paraded their record-extending 22nd SportPesa Premier League trophy before Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, seizing the rare ceremonial moment to underline a bold new chapter in their pursuit of CAF Champions League glory.
Led by chairman Ambrose Rachier and captain Philemon Otieno, the club delegation used the high-level engagement not only to celebrate their latest domestic triumph but also to open discussions on Gor Mahia’s long-term ambitions, with a particular focus on strengthening their return to Africa’s premier club competition.
The champions arrived carrying the gleaming trophy that crowned a remarkable campaign, one in which they outlasted fierce rivals to reclaim domestic supremacy.
Speaking during the meeting, Rachier thanked the government for supporting sports and said the club viewed the title as the foundation for even bigger ambitions. "We are deeply honoured to present this trophy to the Cabinet Secretary and the National Treasury," Rachier said.
"This title belongs to millions of Gor Mahia supporters who stood with us throughout the season and believed in the team during both good and difficult moments."
The veteran football administrator said the club's attention had already shifted toward continental football. "Winning the league is a major achievement, but our work is far from over," Rachier said.
"We now want to build a team capable of competing effectively in the CAF Champions League and representing Kenya with distinction."
Rachier noted that success in Africa would require stronger financial structures and partnerships. "Running a football club of Gor Mahia's stature requires enormous resources," he said.
"We need sustainable funding models, stronger corporate partnerships and continued goodwill from stakeholders if we are to compete consistently at the highest level."
He added that the club was already planning for the challenges that come with continental football. "We have learned valuable lessons from previous campaigns, and we want to be better prepared this time," Rachier said. "Our objective is not merely to participate but to become genuinely competitive against Africa's top clubs."
Rachier concluded by expressing gratitude to Mbadi for creating time to host the champions. "We sincerely appreciate the Cabinet Secretary for welcoming us and recognising the efforts of our players, technical staff and supporters," he said. "This gesture motivates us to continue striving for excellence."
After listening to the chairman's remarks, Mbadi congratulated the club for another historic achievement and praised the team's consistency throughout the season. "Allow me to congratulate Gor Mahia for winning a remarkable 22nd league title," Mbadi said. "This achievement reflects discipline, resilience, hard work and a winning culture that has been built over many years."
The Cabinet Secretary described the club as one of Kenya's greatest sporting institutions. "Gor Mahia remains one of the strongest football brands in our country and a source of pride for many Kenyans," he said. "The success you have achieved this season demonstrates what can be accomplished through unity and determination."
Mbadi acknowledged the financial challenges facing football clubs but emphasised the need for accountability and sustainability. "As custodians of public resources, we must always operate within the realities of the national budget," he said. "However, we recognise the important role sports play in national development and social cohesion."
The Treasury CS said the government would continue exploring ways of strengthening the sports sector. "We will continue looking at policies that can encourage investment and sponsorship in sports," Mbadi said. "Our objective is to create an environment where clubs can thrive without depending entirely on government support."
He further urged football clubs to strengthen their commercial operations. "The future of successful sports organisations lies in sustainability," Mbadi said. "Strong governance, commercial innovation and strategic partnerships will be critical for long-term growth."
Mbadi finished by challenging the champions to carry Kenya's hopes proudly in continental competition. "You have already proven yourselves domestically," he said. "Now the task before you is to fly the Kenyan flag high when you step onto the African stage."
The final word was left to Captain Philemon Otieno, who spoke on behalf of the players and reflected on what the title meant to the squad. "On behalf of the players, I want to thank the Cabinet Secretary for receiving us today," Otieno said. "It means a lot to see our efforts recognised at this level."
The skipper said the players remained hungry for more success despite conquering the domestic scene. "We worked extremely hard throughout the season and sacrificed a lot to win this title," he said. "Every player in the dressing room contributed to making this achievement possible."
Otieno insisted the team's ambitions now extend beyond Kenya's borders. "We are motivated by the challenge that lies ahead in the CAF Champions League," he said.
"We want to test ourselves against the best teams in Africa and show that Kenyan football can compete."
The defender also thanked the club's supporters for their unwavering backing. "Our fans were with us every step of the way," Otieno said. "They pushed us forward during difficult moments, and this trophy belongs to them as much as it belongs to us."
He concluded with a promise to the Green Army. "We remain united, focused and committed to achieving even greater success," Otieno said.
"We know the responsibility that comes with wearing this badge, and we are ready for the next challenge."
As the champions departed the National Treasury Building, trophy in hand, the celebrations of a historic league triumph blended seamlessly with discussions about the future.
For Gor Mahia, the message was clear: the 22nd title is not the destination—it is the beginning of a new journey toward continental success.
