Africa-Press – Kenya. Gor Mahia defender Sylvester Owino believes K’Ogalo have what it takes to finish the season with multiple trophies, insisting the current squad is well-equipped to mount a serious challenge on all fronts.
Speaking a few days after Gor Mahia’s 2-0 victory over Dero FC in the FKF Cup Round of 64 clash at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu, a confident Owino said the result reinforced the growing belief within the camp that the club can go deep in the competition.
“I strongly believe it is possible because this team has everything required to reach the final,” Owino said. “For us, it is about focusing on one match at a time and not getting carried away by the bigger picture.”
The Harambee Stars defender pointed to the depth and balance within the squad as a key reason behind his optimism, noting that competition for places has helped push standards higher across the team.
“When you look around the squad, you see quality in every department,” Owino explained. “Everyone is pushing each other in training, and that kind of competition brings out the best in the team.”
Owino also highlighted Gor Mahia’s impressive run of form since the start of the year, describing it as clear evidence that the team is peaking at the right moment. According to him, both the attacking output and defensive organisation reflect a side that is growing in confidence.
“The way we have started this year shows clearly that the team wants to achieve something special,” he said. “The performances tell a story of a group that is hungry and focused.”
Backing his assessment with numbers, Owino added that the statistics underline Gor Mahia’s ambitions this season. “In six matches, we have scored 15 goals and conceded only four,” he noted. “That tells you that we are doing something right both in attack and in defence.”
Despite the comfortable scoreline against Dero FC, Owino admitted that the match itself was far from easy, mainly due to the challenging playing conditions at Mamboleo Stadium.
“That match was very tough,” Owino said. “The pitch was not what we are used to, and it made things more difficult for us.”
He explained that the uneven surface disrupted Gor Mahia’s normal rhythm but praised his teammates for showing maturity and adaptability. “The ground was bumpy and uneven, so we had to adjust our approach,” he said. “What mattered most was finding a way to get the result, and the boys did exactly that.”
Owino emphasised that such encounters are often a true test of character, especially in knockout competitions where style sometimes has to be sacrificed for substance. “In cup games, conditions are not always perfect,” he added. “Sometimes you just have to dig deep, stay disciplined and take your chances when they come.”
While Gor Mahia supporters have already begun dreaming of lifting the FKF Cup, Owino was keen to stress that the team remains grounded and focused on immediate objectives rather than distant glory.
“The fans are already talking about finals and trophies,” he said. “But for us, the most important thing is the next match.”
He continued, “We do not even know who our next opponent will be yet, but whoever it is, we will prepare well and make sure we are ready to compete.”
According to Owino, maintaining this mindset is crucial if Gor Mahia are to avoid complacency and navigate the unpredictable nature of knockout football. “You cannot afford to think too far ahead in this competition,” he said. “Every game is dangerous, and you must respect every opponent.”
Owino also acknowledged that memories of last season’s FKF Cup disappointment still linger within the squad, serving as a source of motivation rather than pressure. “That defeat last season was very painful for all of us,” Owino admitted. “It was a tough moment, but it also taught us important lessons.”
In the 2025 FKF Cup final, Gor Mahia suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Nairobi United at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, a result that denied the club silverware and capped a rare trophyless campaign. “That experience reminds us that nothing is guaranteed in football,” Owino said. “It pushes us to stay sharp and never take any match lightly.”
He added that the current squad is determined to ensure history does not repeat itself. “We want to change the story this time,” Owino concluded. “The belief is there, the quality is there, and now it is about proving it on the pitch, one game at a time.”
Owino has quietly grown into one of Kenyan football’s most dependable defenders, combining maturity beyond his years with a commanding presence at the heart of defence for both club and country.
Born on May 6, 2001, Owino has been a mainstay in K’Ogalo’s defence since joining the record Kenyan champions in 2022. Wearing jersey number 25, the centre-back has earned a reputation for his calmness on the ball, strength in aerial duels and sharp reading of the game, qualities that have made him a trusted figure in K’Ogalo’s backline.
He previously featured for Vihiga Bullets and Kakamega Homeboyz, experiences that helped shape his defensive discipline and adaptability before making the step up to Gor Mahia. Since then, he has played a key role in domestic competitions, often tasked with marshalling opposition attacks in high-pressure matches.
He made his senior debut for the Harambee Stars during the 2024 CosafaCup and has since become a reliable option for Kenya in major assignments, including AFCON and CHAN qualifiers. His performances at the 2024 CHAN tournament, in particular, drew praise for their consistency and composure, reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Scandinavia.
Among his standout moments is a decisive contribution in 2025, when he scored the winning goal in a tense 1-0 victory over Shabana FC in the fiercely contested Nyanza Derby. Beyond goals, however, Owino’s value lies in the less glamorous details of defending—timely tackles, goal-line clearances and leadership in organising the back four.
At just 24, Owino represents the modern Kenyan defender: physically strong, tactically aware and comfortable under pressure. With his trajectory still on the rise, both Gor Mahia and the national team appear set to benefit from his presence for years to come.
