Kenyan football powerhouse Gor Mahia officially launches its new season this Sunday with a fresh start under new head coach Charles Akonnor, a former Ghana national team boss. 

After a disappointing trophy-less run, the club has signed several new players, including foreign talent, to strengthen its defense and chase a record 22nd league title. 

This quest for glory begins immediately against Bidco United, a tough opponent that managed to stay unbeaten against Gor Mahia last season. 

The match is also a showcase for the new SportPesa Premier League, which has returned with a massive sponsorship deal that has raised the winner’s prize money to Ksh 20 million, setting the stage for a highly competitive and high-stakes season.

Gor Mahia’s management moved decisively after losing the league title to Kenya Police FC and suffering a shock defeat in the Mozzart Bet Cup final to second-tier side Nairobi United. 

They appointed Ghanaian tactician Charles Akonnor on a two-year contract, with Bismark Kobby-Mensah as his assistant, aiming to infuse the team with international experience and tactical discipline. 

Akonnor, who captained Ghana’s Black Stars and played for VfL Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga, brings a clear mandate: reclaim the SportPesa Premier League title and build a squad capable of competing in continental tournaments.

The 21-time league champions have actively overhauled their roster to support this vision. 

The influx of new talent includes Ghanaian imports George Amonoo and Ebenezer Adukwaw, who are expected to provide creativity. 

Crucially, the defense—which conceded too freely last season—has been bolstered by new signings like Byrne Omondi, Lewis Bandi, and Michael Kibwage. 

Akonnor’s focus, as assistant coach Kobby-Mensah stated, is a perfect start. 

“We seriously want to start the season very well because we have a plan, and to achieve it, we need to start well,” he noted, emphasizing the sharp look of the squad despite the short preseason. 

Harambee Stars defender Sylvester Owino remains unavailable due to injury, and the potential transfer of influential midfielder Alpha Onyango to Tunisia’s Étoile Sportive du Sahel adds a layer of transition to the midfield.

The new season kicks off with unprecedented financial stability for Kenyan football. 

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has secured a long-term title sponsorship with SportPesa, a landmark 10-year agreement valued at Ksh 1.12 billion, with an initial injection of Ksh 85 million for the 2025/26 season. 

This financial boost has seen the top prize money for the league winner officially increase to a robust Ksh 20 million, significantly raising the competitive stakes for all 18 teams.

For Gor Mahia, the pressure to secure a record-extending 22nd title is immense. 

Their return to form would justify the massive investment in an international technical bench and signal the club’s readiness to capitalize on the league’s improving financial climate. 

The club chairman, Ambrose Rachier, emphasized that Akonnor’s appointment reflects a commitment to building a competitive squad for the CAF Champions League, underscoring the continental focus.

The fixture presents an immediate ‘banana skin’ for the hosts. 

Bidco United, coached by Anthony Akhulia, enters the match as underdogs but with a psychological edge. 

Last season, the Thika-based side proved to be a difficult opponent, defeating Gor Mahia 1-0 in one encounter and securing a 0-0 draw in the return fixture, thus going unbeaten against the giants.

Bidco’s strategy will likely center on exploiting Gor Mahia’s new system and transitional phase with an organized defense and incisive counterattacks. 

Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, stability is key for Bidco, who have retained their core squad and focused on fitness. 

Akhulia’s side will look to frustrate the home team and turn this opener into a tight, low-scoring affair, a specialty that saw them succeed in 12 of their last 13 matches with a +1.5 handicap. 

As the season gets underway, this clash is more than just three points; it is a measuring stick for Gor Mahia’s new era and a showcase of the evolving competitiveness of the SportPesa Premier League.