Gor Mahia is a storied club steeped in deep history and will be looking to once again kick-start their hegemony that has been disrupted by Tusker FC and Kenya Police FC in the past decade, but ahead of the new season, the record Kenyan champions will be looking to flex their muscle on the continent, although a daunting CAF Champions League draw leaves them with a mountain to climb.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThis is the pressure that Gor Mahia heads into the new 2026/27 season with. The fans will not just be demanding a league title, but for performances worthy of Kenya's most decorated club.The club successfully achieved last season's target of reclaiming the league title from Kenya Police FC; their success-thirsty fans are now keen on establishing dominance in the Premier League and ending their six-year wait for a Mozzart Bet Cup, even as they strive to improve their stake in continental football.Big names missing from McCarthy's latest Harambee Stars squadIn fact, the successful 2025/26 season is already forgotten, and even before the new campaign officially kicks off, the technical bench, players and indeed the entire team are already feeling the heat following mixed pre-season results.Gor Mahia’s pre-season in itself was an international affair. The team reported to camp and travelled to Rwanda for the Rayon Sports Day to clash against Rayon Sports before featuring in the CECAFA Kagame Cup.After losing 2-0 to Rayon Sports, K’Ogalo posted a bright start in the Kagame Cup, securing a 5-0 win over Rwandese giants APR before losing 1-0 to Vipers, a match that saw head coach Charles Akonnor receive heavy criticism from the fans.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930467##However, a win in the final group match against Garde Republicaine lifted some of the pressure on the Ghanaian's shoulders.In the semi-final against Al Hilal, the Kenyan giants had to dig deep but in the end secured victory via post-match penalties after a spirited fight.An extra-time goal by Rayon Sports in the final would then extend Gor Mahia’s CECAFA Kagame Cup drought past the 42-year mark.Kenyan teenager marks Harambee Stars call up with debut goal in EnglandA day after losing to Rayon Sports, Gor Mahia faced South Sudanese outfit Al Merrikh, where they suffered a 1-0 loss in a match where they came up against their former midfield general Enock Morrison.Back home, a disappointing first-half display that saw Gor Mahia go 2-0 down to Premier League debutants Migori Youth before levelling matters in the second half and eventually winning via post-match penalties to win the Green Legacy Cup had supporters cast doubt on their squad.Their fears were confirmed on Sunday, 23 August, when they were both outsmarted and outclassed by Tusker, suffering a 1-3 defeat in the FKF Super Cup that ended in chaos.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930457##K’Ogalo later played a high-profile friendly against Kenya Police FC on Saturday, 29 August, which ended in a barren draw, with fans' frustrations reaching a fever pitch as the team marked four matches without a win.The pressure is expected to crank up on the team until they string impressive performances and wins in the season.First Five MatchesThe Kenyan giants were expected to begin their season with a clash against Murang’a Seal on Tuesday, 1 September at Nyayo National Stadium from 1600 hrs.McCarthy names 3 new faces in Harambee Stars' provisional squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiersThey will, however, shift their focus to their CAF Champions League (CAFCL) first preliminary round first-leg tie against Egyptian heavyweights Pyramids FC and the return leg a week later.K’Ogalo might return to domestic football on Saturday, 19 September, with a clash against Kakamega Homeboyz before heading to the international break.Ties against KCB and Nairobi United await the team after the international break, even as they continue with their title push.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930448##Transfer BusinessThe most notable departure is Ghanaian midfielder Enock Morrison, who clinched the FKF Premier League’s much-coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) but left for South Sudanese giants Al Merrikh.Other players who left include Philemon Otieno and Ernest Wendo, who have joined the technical bench, as well as Gad Mathews, Geoffrey Ochieng, Fidel Origa, Chris Ochieng, Levin Odhiambo, Siraj Mohammed and Bryson Wangai.In their places, K’Ogalo signed Paul Okoth, Denis Omedi and David Okoth to bolster the attack, with the midfield refreshed by the additions of Lesley Otieno, Enock Machaka and Ebenezer Ocran.Kenya handed major boost in Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars futureIn defense, the club signed Harambee Stars defender Daniel Sakari and Potiphar Odhiambo from Kakamega Homeboyz.In goal, the 22-time league champions completed the controversial signing of Humphrey Katasi from their arch-rivals AFC Leopards and Michael Onyango from Equity FC.Player to watchPaul Okoth has to be the player to watch for Gor Mahia this season. One of K'Ogalo’s troublesome areas on the pitch last campaign was the striking department where the club lacked a prolific striker.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930459##The former Ulinzi Stars marksman demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net in the league by scoring 18 goals, one shy of Joe Waithira, who grabbed the Golden Boot.With no Gor Mahia player reaching double figures last season, the onus will be on Okoth to make a difference. However, he will have to cope with competition from Omedi and Ebenezer Assifuah.Young ProspectWhile attention will go to marquee players, South Sudanese central defender Isaac Deng is one of the young prospects that may grab the headlines at some point this season.Former Gor Mahia defender explains joining KCB after stint abroadWith the club expected to play numerous games, the 19-year-old will be aiming at making a name for himself when he gets the chance.Management StabilityOff the pitch, running Gor Mahia also comes with enormous pressure on the management team, who play a pivotal role in ensuring the club runs smoothly.Presently, the club is embroiled in management wrangles, including the order by the Sports Registrar to elect a new chairperson, a matter that is now active in court.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930179##Previously, the court annulled the appointment of former Cabinet Secretary (CS) for ICT Eliud Owalo as the club patron, noting that due process was not followed.In the midst of all the squabbles, Chairman Ambrose Rachier will be expected to utilise his decades of experience in managing the club to ensure the ship safely docks.Team KwayaThe Gor Mahia choir, popularly known as Team Kwaya, has proven to be an integral part of the club, providing the 12th man support with captivating chants that have not only brought the fans closer to the team but have also seen a surging number of new spectators.Victor Wanyama shares advice for young players aspiring to turn professionalThe Taya Dok-led outfit has since gone viral on social media, adding to the spice that draws fans and helps the club to generate revenue.Predicted league finish Despite the team not firing on all cylinders currently, Gor Mahia remain favourites to retain the FKFPL title, thanks to the quality of players, the technical bench led by Charles Akonnor and most importantly, the title-hungry supporters.