How Gor Mahia will line up in CAF Champions League after completing big signings

Ugandan midfielder Chris Pius Akena and Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier.

How Gor Mahia will line up in CAF Champions League after completing big signings

Joel Omotto 12:00 - 03.07.2024

Gor Mahia have made a number of key signings as they bid to beat the deadline set by CAF for teams participating in continental competitions.

Gor Mahia seem determined to complete their transfer business early following the signing of a number of their targets.

K’Ogalo have so far brought in three players with two more signings nearly completed as they rebuild the squad for a CAF Champions League challenge next season.

Ugandan midfielder Chris Pius Akena has signed a two-year contract at the club from Greek side Apollon Kalamarias FC.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is as a product of Qatar’s famed Aspire Academy and has also turned out for Al Rams Sports Club in the United Arab Emirates.

Akena will add depth to the midfield and share the creative responsibility with Austin Odhiambo and he could yet fill in if the former ends up leaving the club given he is the subject of interest from a number of clubs outside Kenya.

Meanwhile, Congolese striker Dedeo Bendeka has also joined Gor Mahia after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal, having signed from Rwandan side Etincelles FC.

Bendeka showed great quality in Rwanda, scoring 12 goals in 22 games and should offer Benson Omala support in attack

Attacker Samuel Kapen is another one who has agreed to join Gor Mahia after turning down an opportunity to extend his contract at Nairobi City Stars.

The winger was among the bright spots for City Stars as he scored seven goals last season but opted against renewing his contract with Simba wa Nairobi.

K’Ogalo are also in talks over the possible signing of Burundian goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana who is a free agent after leaving Tanzanian side Namungo FC. Gor Mahia, however, face competition from a number of teams who are also interested in the custodian.

Another player who could likely be joining Gor Mahia is Posta Rangers midfielder Brian Musa.

Musa is not new to K’Ogalo after coming through the youth ranks at the club and after featuring for Nairobi Stima, Wazito FC and now Posta Rangers, he feels now is the right time to return ‘home.’

Gor Mahia are in a race against time to be ready for the CAF Champions League given players participating in the preliminary round of the competition will have to be registered from July 1-20.

The Champions League and Confederation Cup will kick off with preliminary round of matches slated between August 16 and 18 with group matches scheduled between October and December before the knockout phase and final take centre stage from March to May 2025.