The Early Days

The 1970s saw a fierce and intense rivalry develop between Gor Mahia and Abaluhya football club. Fans of both sides loathed each other. It was unthinkable for a player to cross from either team to the other. Games between the two teams involved high tension and usually resulted in off-field battles between the fans. In the week before the game fans of both teams met at their favourite bars and discuss nothing but football.

Gor Mahia paraded such stars as Jerry Imbo, the legendary William "Chege" Ouma ,playmaker Allan Thigo goalkeeper George Ayuka , and winger George "Best" Yoga. Ouma "Chege" is one of the best strikers ever to play in Kenya if not the best. He was a natural dribbler and routinely bedazzled defenders with his array of breathtaking moves. Allan Thigo was a playmaker par supreme.

1979. was an extremely succesful year for Gor Mahia. Besides winning the national League, the club made it to the final of the Africa cup winners cup before crashing to Canon Sportiff De Yaounde in a debacle that saw 5 players expelled from th club under allegations of bribery.

That year Gor Mahia fielded an all-star line up that featured among others : Dan Odhiambo in goal, Paul Oduwo "Cobra" at right back, Otieno Bassanga at left back , John "Bobby" Ogolla at stopper , Mike Ogolla "machine" at sweeper, in midfield , Ugandan Tim Ayieko was the linkman , Sammy Owino "Kempes" played inside right and Allan Thigo was the schemer. In attack Andrew Obunga played centre forward, George Yoga played right wing and schoolboy wonderboy Nashon Oluoch "Lule" played left wing.

That was probably the best line-up Gor Mahia has ever fielded although one could argue for the 87 team. Nashon Oluoch Lule was then a form six student at highway secondary school. He was already recognised as the clubs best player and Kenya's best ever left winger. He was a brilliant dribbler and crosser of the ball.

On their way to the Africa cup final they beat Al Ittihad of Egypt , Nsambya stars of Uganda , Kadiogo of Upper volta , Horoya of Guinea before going down to Canon Yaounde. After the loss , 5 players were expelled after it was proven that they had been bribed by the Camerounian team.