Gor Mahia Win Record 22nd League Title as Trophy Presentation Sparks Fan Backlash
NAIROBI — Gor Mahia have once again cemented their place at the summit of Kenyan football after they secured a record-extending 22nd Kenyan Premier League title.
However, what should have been a moment of pure celebration quickly turned into a heated debate after fans heavily criticized the club’s trophy presentation ceremony.
K’Ogalo wrapped up another dominant league campaign and claimed the 2025/26 title. They also secured Kenya’s sole qualification slot for the next edition of the CAF Champions League. Still, much of the post-match conversation focused on football administrators rather than the players who delivered the championship.
Supporters strongly opposed the trophy presentation. They accused Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officials and sponsors of overshadowing the team’s historic achievement.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed and SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri drew criticism after they appeared prominently during the trophy handover. Fans argued that they took the spotlight away from the players and coaching staff at a moment meant for celebration.
The controversy deepened after reports showed that officials had displayed the new league trophy at SportPesa’s corporate offices for promotional photos before the champions received it.
Social media platforms filled up with reactions from angry supporters. Many said the ceremony focused more on branding and publicity than on the players’ achievement.
“The players fought for this title all season. They should have celebrated first with the trophy,” one supporter wrote online.
Despite the controversy, Gor Mahia still made history. The club extended its dominance of Kenyan football and secured another league crown. They also booked a place in continental competition next season.
SportPesa’s Return to Kenyan Football
This title win also marked the first season under the revived SportPesa Premier League sponsorship deal.
SportPesa sponsored Kenya’s top-flight league from 2015 to 2019 before it withdrew from local sports sponsorships. Regulatory and taxation changes forced the exit and hit betting firms hard.
The exit left Kenyan football with a major funding gap. Several replacement sponsors failed to provide long-term stability, and clubs struggled with financial uncertainty.
In 2025, FKF negotiated SportPesa’s return. The federation aimed to restore commercial confidence in the domestic league.
Inside the KSh1.12 Billion Sponsorship Deal
The partnership carries a value of KSh1.12 billion over 10 years, making it one of the biggest deals in Kenyan football history.
The league received KSh85 million in the first season. Funding will rise steadily and reach KSh145 million by the final year.
Clubs receive 60 percent of the first-year allocation. FKF retains 40 percent for administration, officiating, and operations.
Gor Mahia will earn KSh15 million as champions. SportPesa contributes KSh10 million, while FKF adds KSh5 million.
The runners-up will receive KSh3 million, and the third-placed team will take home KSh2 million.
The sponsorship deal also complements broadcast revenue from the league’s television partnership with Azam TV.
Focus Shifts to Continental Football
Gor Mahia now turn their focus to continental football after securing the domestic title.
The club will represent Kenya in the CAF Champions League and aim to turn domestic dominance into continental success.
For many supporters, however, the trophy presentation debate continues to overshadow the celebrations. They insist that football’s biggest moments should remain with the players who earn them on the pitch.
