Former Gor Mahia striker Dan Makori has backed the reigning champions to retain the FKF Premier League title despite facing stronger competition from Tusker, Kenya Police and AFC Leopards in the new season.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsMakori, who also featured for KCB FC during his playing career, is now involved in football administration and believes Gor Mahia's decision to retain the core of their title-winning squad, coupled with targeted recruitment, gives them an advantage in their quest for a record-extending 23rd league crown.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Makori pointed to the club's response to the departure of reigning FKFPL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Enock Morrison as one of the reasons behind his optimism.Victor Wanyama keen on improving Kenyan footballMorrison left Gor Mahia for Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh SC, but K'Ogalo moved quickly to strengthen the position by signing Ghanaian midfielder Ebenezer Ocran.The champions also bolstered several other departments during the transfer window, bringing in Harambee Stars defender Daniel Sakari to provide competition at right-back, last season FKFPL Golden Boot runner-up Paul Okoth and Uganda international Denis Omedi to reinforce the attack.In midfield, Gor added Enock Machaka from Nairobi United, while the goalkeeping department was strengthened by the arrival of 2022/23 season Golden Glove winner Humphrey Katasi from arch rivals AFC Leopards.##NAJAVA_MECA_10010034##Makori believes the blend of continuity and fresh additions leaves Gor Mahia well equipped to defend their crown, despite their early exit in the CAF Champions League."I am still rooting for K'Ogalo to retain the title. I think they have a solid squad. They retained the main core of the title-winning team despite the departure of Enock Morrison, which I believe they replaced well with Ocran," Makori said."They injected some fresh legs in nearly all the departments in the likes of Sakari, Omedi, Okoth, Katasi and Machaka, and this makes me feel Gor Mahia will retain the league despite the slow start witnessed in the CAF matches."Nairobi United close in on Harambee Stars forwardHowever, Makori expects the champions to face a much tougher domestic challenge than they did last season, with Tusker, Kenya Police and AFC Leopards all strengthening their squads significantly during the transfer window.He predicts a closely fought title race, with Gor Mahia likely to face sustained pressure from their traditional rivals throughout the campaign."It's going to be a tight race for sure, going by how Tusker and Police recruited during the transfer window, not forgetting AFC Leopards too. ##NAJAVA_MECA_10010077##I foresee the three teams giving Gor Mahia a run for their money in defending the crown, and I categorically say the upcoming season will be one of the most competitive and closely contested," he added.Charles Akonnor's charges are scheduled to begin their title defence against Murang'a Seal at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, 13 October, with K'Ogalo setting their sights on extending their record haul to 23 league titles.