'You have to win' -Musa Masika on the pressure that comes with playing for Gor Mahia

'You have to win' -Musa Masika on the pressure that comes with playing for Gor Mahia

Mark Kinyanjui 17:30 - 15.01.2025

Masika, who joined Gor Mahia in January 2024, has revealed how being at the club has made him develop a "winner's mentality".

Gor Mahia attacker Musa Masika has candidly discussed the immense pressure that comes with donning the colors of Kenya’s most decorated football club. 

Yet, despite the challenges, Masika is brimming with confidence that Gor Mahia will secure a record 22nd league title under the guidance of interim  head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno.

Masika, who joined Gor Mahia in 2024, has experienced both the highs and the challenges of playing for one of the most competitive teams in Kenyan football.

 As part of the squad that retained the league title under former coach Johnathan McKinstry in 2023, the former Wazito and KCB winger has showcased his ability to make an impact when called upon, despite stiff competition for a starting spot.

Speaking on the Tiki Taka Show, Masika reflected on what sets Gor Mahia apart. “At Gor Mahia, there is no time to learn how to pass, receive, or score. You have to win. That is the pressure. There are no compromises and that is the reality of playing for Gor Mahia,” he said.

The 23-year-old, who honed his skills at JMJ Academy under the mentorship of his elder brother Shaban Masika, has grown accustomed to high expectations.

 He gained national recognition after winning consecutive MVP awards at the Copa Coca-Cola tournaments in 2012 and 2013 and leading Laiser Hill to their maiden national secondary schools title in 2016.

With Gor Mahia currently sitting fourth in the league standings with 24 points from 14 games and a match in hand, Masika remains unfazed by their position. His confidence is fueled by the team’s pedigree and the belief that beating league leaders Tusker in their upcoming clash will effectively seal the title race.

“This league title is already in the bag. If we beat Tusker, we will be level on points with them. It is over,” Masika declared confidently.

He attributed this confidence to the club’s culture of winning, which he believes sets Gor Mahia apart from their rivals.

 “Once you join a winning team, you become a winner. We did not start the season well because we had a lot of continental assignments, but we have started finding our groove even though we had some shaky results,” he added.

Masika emphasised that consistency against top teams will be key to retaining the title. “If Top Five teams do not beat you, it is over. You may lose on occasion to other small teams, but most times we should walk over the rest. We have a home advantage, and once we get it in the bag, it is over.”

While Masika’s rise has not been without challenges, including struggling to secure a permanent spot in the starting lineup, he remains optimistic about his growth. 

Drawing from his experiences playing in front of large crowds abroad and making his Harambee Stars debut in 2019 -following in his other brother Ayub Timbe’s footsteps, he views adversity as part of the journey.

“Frustrations happen, but this is football,” he noted. “I have played in front of a lot of fans, including in Europe, so I understand the pressure. You cannot even hear the coach, so you have to be constantly alert. That is the difficulty that comes with playing abroad.”

Tags: