Kenya Football in 1975

Featured Image: Luo Union after a trainings season

STANDING:
Steve “McQueen” Yongo (Player-Coach), Charles Alila, Odhiambo Gor, Daniel Nicodemus “Arudhi”, Edward Ayoma, Julius Okeya, Sammy Owino (not Kempes), Sospeter Otin, John Oduor, Joseph Owiti “Hatari”, James Sianga, Herman Ariya, Fred Siranga.

SQUATTING:
Edward Kiiza, William “Chege” Ouma, Onyango Balada, Alfred Okoth, Peter Omaya, Lukio Agonda, Dan Odhiambo, Albert Okech

Luo Union wins 1975 League Title

The 1975 season proved to be a controversial one. Luo Union FC were a star studded side, having recruited no less than 8 players from arch rivals Gor Mahia a year earlier. The players included national team stalwarts like James Sianga, William Ouma “Chege”, John Otieno “Hatari”, Steve Yongo, Albert Oketch, Sospeter Otin, Fred Siranga and Owen Nandy. In addition, Luo Union also had a youthful supernova by the name of Charles Ochieng. He would end up being one of the best heading specialists in the history of Kenya Football. His combination with William Ouma “Chege” terrorized opponents throughout 1975.

The league title was decided on the last day. Gor Mahia and Luo Union were tied on points atop the table. Gor Mahia needed to beat Western Stars on Saturday August 23  and hope that Abaluhya would beat Luo Union on Sunday A. In the end Gor Mahia drew 1-1 with Western Stars while Luo Union beat Abaluhya 3-0. There were accusations that Abaluhya had conspired to allow Luo Union to win the match and lock out Gor Mahia from the title.

1975 Kenya Football League Final Standings

1975 Kenya Football League Top Scorers

Dan Avedi of Mwenge, William Ouma “Chege” of Luo Union and Maurice Ochieng of Police tied atop the scoring chart with 21 goals each.

Kenya wins the 1975 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

The 1975 CECAFA senior challenge cup was held in Zambia. Kenya won the cup thanks largely to the heroics of Charles Ochieng who scored 4 goals all through headers and ended up being the top-scorer of the tournament.

Kenya got off to a flying start, beating hosts Zambia 2-1 with Charles Ochieng scoring both goals. In the second match, Kenya tied 1-1 with Ochieng scoring Kenya’s goal .

In the semi-finals, Kenya beat Tanzania 3-2. Aggrey Lukoye scored twice and Allan Thigo added a third. In the final, Kenya faced Malawi. William Ouma “Chege” scored Kenya’s first goal. With Malawi leading 2-1 , Charles Ochieng scored a late equalizer to tie the game. Kenya went on to win on penalties.

Author: shabik

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