Gor Mahia’s newly unveiled kits, designed by Tanzanian manufacturing company Sheria Ngowi, have sparked heated reactions among Kenyan football fans. The designs, which were showcased on the club’s social media platforms, feature both home and away kits with bold design choices that have left fans torn.

Sheria Ngowi, a company that has already gained recognition for outfitting Tanzanian Premier League clubs, including giants Yanga SC, has now added Gor Mahia to their list of clients. However, the kits' unconventional look, especially the home jersey’s inclusion of black, a color traditionally absent from Gor Mahia's palette, has generated significant controversy.

On Thursday, the club officially unveiled the kits, and the home design, in particular, received mixed responses. The home kit, featuring a splash of black around the neck, raised eyebrows due to its departure from Gor Mahia’s iconic green and white colors. 

On Sheria Ngowi's official X (formerly Twitter) account, the designer explained the inspiration behind the black accents.

“The home kit in Gor’s traditional green features an aerial map of Kisumu, as well as a powerful design which symbolizes the waves of Lake Victoria,” Sheria Ngowi stated. Despite this explanation, the black elements were a sticking point for many supporters.

🚨OFFICIAL🚨

Gor Mahia’s 2024-25 Home Kit is here! 🙌

Crafted for Greatness, Designed for Champions @OfficialGMFC 🤝

The home kit in Gor’s traditional green features an aerial map of Kisumu, as well as a powerful design which symbolizes the waves of Lake Victoria!

Designed by… pic.twitter.com/erf4wI8YxD

— SHERIA NGOWI ™ (@SheriaNgowi) September 26, 2024

The design of the third kit, which is entirely black, was also explained by the brand: “The official color of the jersey is black (symbolizing African heritage and the Luo community), featuring a monogram logo with the initials 'GM' where the 'G' is small and the 'M' is large.

“This represents the ups and downs the club has gone through to become one of the oldest and most famous clubs in Africa.”

This creative backstory did little to quell the fans’ discontent, with many criticizing the overuse of black. 

One fan remarked, “Hapa nayo wametucheza iyo too much of black (They played us. Too much of black)," while another expressed outrage over the perceived lack of innovation. “Black isn't Gor Mahia colors. Go to the club badge to know the colors. Stop copy-pasting Yanga and Nigeria kit. Be innovative.”

Another fan echoed these sentiments, accusing the designers of copying from Yanga SC: “Endelea kutengeneza vitenge za yanga tu, unatuharibia jezi sisi Wakenya (Just keep making kitenge jerseys for Yanga. You have ruined our kits as Kenyans).”

Despite the backlash over the home kit, the third kit seemed to fare slightly better with the fans. While still black, its deeper connection to the club’s heritage resonated with some. One fan admitted, “This one is much better than the home kit.”

Meanwhile, the away kit, predominantly white with shades of green, received less criticism but was still compared to Nigeria’s national team kits. “Hii ni Super Eagles bana (This is a Super Eagles replica),” a fan commented. Another simply said, “You failed. All you did was copy-paste the Nigeria one.”

Sheria Ngowi defended the away kit’s design, explaining that the initials “GM” were emblazoned on the shoulders to remind players and staff of their responsibility to the club. However, even this symbolic touch couldn’t escape criticism.

Fans also took issue with the presentation of the kits, pointing out the unflattering wrinkles on the shirts worn by models in the promotional photos. “Next time, tell your kit manager to at least iron the kits before giving them to you,” one fan sarcastically commented.

Adding to the frustration, many supporters expressed disappointment over the lack of information on where to purchase the new kits. One fan voiced their concern: “Mtuambie pia jezi zinapatikana wapi... si kuweka tu picha ya mapambo (Tell us where to get the jerseys. Not just decorations).” Others echoed this sentiment, with some even calling the club’s marketing strategy “the worst ever” for not providing purchasing details.

However, the manufacturer announced on their social media platforms on Friday morning that official communication will be made on where the kits can be acquired from.

FKFPL: Shabana's top marksman sets ambitious target following brilliant start to season

Tegisi has already scored three goals this season from just two league games for Shabana, having found the back of the net only six times last year.

Shabana striker Matthew Tegisi has set his sights on an impressive goal tally following a strong start to his first full season in Kenya's top-flight football. 

Tegisi, who joined Shabana from local rivals Gusii FC in January, has already netted three goals in two matches, just three short of matching the six goals he scored during his debut season last year.

Reflecting on his journey so far, Tegisi admitted that his initial transition to top-tier football was challenging, particularly since he joined Shabana midway through the previous season. 

Speaking to Pulse Sports after Shabana's dramatic 1-1 draw against Ulinzi Stars, Tegisi discussed how finding his rhythm and building confidence have been key factors in his early-season success.

"Last season, I came in midway through. I did not start with the team," the striker explained. "It was very difficult under the circumstances because I was looking for confidence, and at times, I was bereft of it."

Now with confidence firmly on his side, Tegisi is pushing to maintain his high performance levels and achieve his goal of scoring between 18 to 20 goals this season.

 His newfound self-belief, according to the striker, has made a significant difference in how he approaches the game.

"Everything is about pushing my limits. That confidence is now here, and it now means that things are easier for me to handle," he added.

Shabana fans, known for their passionate support, have been banned from attending the next five matches after causing disruptions during the game against Ulinzi Stars at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. Despite this setback, Tegisi remains grateful for their unwavering support.

“I thank the fans for traveling from far to come and watch the game, and I am sure we will not let them down this season,” he said, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to thrive despite playing behind closed doors in upcoming fixtures.

Shabana’s next home match against Posta Rangers at Gusii Stadium, recently reopened after renovations, will be one of the matches played without fans.

 However, Tegisi's goal-scoring form and leadership will undoubtedly be pivotal for Shabana as they navigate the early stages of the season and aim for a successful campaign.

With Tegisi’s ambition and current form, Shabana may have found the striker capable of leading them to greater heights in the Kenyan Premier League.

Gor Mahia coach League Neiva shifts focus to title defence

FKF Premier League defending champions Gor Mahia are looking to kick-start their league campaign with a win against Mathare United after their CAF Champions League knock-out.

FKF Premier league champions Gor Mahia have shifted their focus to their title defence following their CAF Champions League exit at the hands of Egyptian side Al-Ahly.

K’Ogalo suffered 6-0 aggregate loss at the hands of the African football giants but can now turn their focus to mounting their title defence, securing their record 22nd Premier League title.

Gor Mahia coach Leonardo Nieva has encouraged his charges to keep up the same spirit they had against Al-Ahly as they kick-start their Premier League campaign against Mathare United.

“We have to keep the same spirit that we played with against Al-Ahly. The same behaviour, same attitude and commitment. I believe we are going to do nice game for our debut in the Premier League,” Neiva told Citizen TV

The Brazilian tactician is eager to implement lessons learnt during their CAF Champions League campaign, sentiments reiterated by club captain Philemone Otieno.

“Now that we are done with CAF competition, we are back on league duty. We are preparing well for Mathare United on Saturday. I’d like to encourage our fans to take heart. The players will do everything to ensure we start the season by clinching all three points,” expressed the skipper.

K’Ogalo will play host to Mathare at the Machakos Stadium on Saturday, September 28.

For Mila Pulse Sport

~ DAN ~