Dan Ogada evades a rugby tackle from an Eldoret FC player. Ogada was arguably Gor mahia's most consistent player of the 1990'sThe 1990s
The 1990s were largely unsuccssefull for Gor Mahia both locally and internationally. It became extremely difficult to sustain the self-supporting club as a society. In addition the economy in Kenya has taken a tumble leading to financial difficulties for several Kenyan clubs. The club won the league 4 times in the 90s 90, 91 ,93 and 95 and the Moi golden cup only once (95). On the continental scene the club failed to make it beyond the quarter finals of any competition.
The club is unable to retain most of the good players who leave soon after their arrival in search of greener pastures or due to frustrations caused by lack of payment of allowances. Several outstanding players have come and gone.
The early 1990s saw the departure or retirement of most of the players who featured in the crack squads of the 1980s. David Ochieng , Onyango Fundi , Odembo Nyangi , Ochieng Pierre and many others retired from active football. Austin Oduor and Abass Magongo left for the middle East while others like Sammy Onyango joined other clubs.
Coach Len Julians , returned briefly in 1991 and managed to steer the club to yet another League title. Among the players paraded by the club in the early 90s include goalkeeper Charles Omondi "Korea" , Jared Ochieng Achieng , Sammy Omollo, Allan Odhiambo, Paul Ochieng , Felix Otieno and Mike Otieno.
One of the clubs biggest highlights came in 1992 when they eliminated traditional giants Canon Sportif de Yaounde In the Africa Champions cup. After settling for a barren draw in Nairobi , most pundits had written them off. However they managed to force a 1-1 draw in Cameroun thanks to a stellar defensive effort by among others Otieno Zico , Paul Ochieng , Tobias Ocholla and Allan Odhiambo.
1994 saw a re-match with Egypts Zamalek who exactly 10 years earlier had eliminated them under dubious circumstances.In the first leg in Nairobi Gor Mahia played a superb game with Dan Ogada and Tom Okaya pulling the strings in midfield while Dan Shikanda ran rings around the Egyptians from the left flank. After drawing the first leg 1-1 Gor Mahia once again lost to a dubious penalty in Cairo.
In 1995 was a relatively successful year for the club as they won the national league title as well as regaining the Moi Golden cup in grand style. Players like Dan Ogada , Allan Odhiambo , Steve Odiaga and Tom Okaya spearheaded this campaign.
Dan Ogada evades a rugby tackle from an Eldoret FC player. Ogada was arguably Gor mahia's most consistent player of the 1990's
1996 was the most disastrous year in the club's history. They were eliminated in the 1st round of the Africa champions league by Zimbabwean outfit, Dynamos, leading to the worst riots ever seen in Nairobi. In the League they finished 8th which was unprecedented in the clubs history. In 1997 , the club recovered and almost won the National League , only losing by goal difference to eventual winners, Utalii. Among the players who were instrumental in that campaign were Victor Onyango in goal, Josiah Ougo and Tillen Oguta in defence, Frazier Ochieng and Dan Ogada in midfield and Bonaventure Maruti, Steve Okumu and Steve Odiaga in attack. The club was unable to hold on to these superb players , many of whom left for various destinations including the Middle East. The last two years of the millenium were characterised by inconsistent performances by the club mainly due to lack of finances. Because the club is flat broke they have been unable to hire a qualified professional coach, Additionally the club has been unable to retain its quality players most of whom leave after a short period for greener pastures.
In 2001, Raj Binder Singh became the first Kenyan of Asian origin to become chairman of a major football team when he became chairman of Gor Mahia. He became the third club chairman in two years. His main brief was to secure sponsorship for the club.
Raj Binder Singh
The year 2002 will go down in history as the worst in the history of the club. They finished with a record of 3 wins, 4 draws , 12 losses and a goal difference of minus 20 goals. Only Re-Union had a worse record. For the first time in the club's history, Gor Mahia was relegated from the top flight. The club had finally sunk to depths which would have been unthinkable only 5 years earlier. They however received a reprieve from the KFF. Whether the club officials and fans can finally get their act together and save the club from furher ignominy remain to be seen.
Jackson Mureu, Nick Otieno and Benard Odhiambo celebrate an equalizing goal during a league match. There was'nt however much to celebrate during the 2002 season and many will want to forget it quickly.