Gor Mahia interim head coach, Zedekiah "Zico" Otieno, is confident the club will add a double silverware to their trophy cabinet this season.
The Kenyan behemoths stand on the precipice of achieving a remarkable feat: a double triumph in the Kenyan Premier League and the Football Kenya Federation Cup if they rise to the challenge.
The recent FKF Cup semi-final against Murang'a Seal was a microcosm of their season: a rollercoaster of tension, a nail-biting penalty shootout, and ultimately, triumph.
The initial setback of conceding a goal within the first five minutes could have shattered the morale of a lesser team, but Gor Mahia displayed remarkable tenacity.
Zico, reflecting on the match, emphasised the character of his players, noting that the win was a testament to the team's grit and unyielding character.
The former Kenyan international further said he understands the psychological battles waged on the pitch.
He spoke of the ability of his players to rise above pressure, a quality honed not just in training, but in the fires of competition.
He maintains that the dream of a double silverware is still very much alive, thanks to his valiant warriors.
"With only three league matches remaining, every game is a final," Zico said in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.
But the stakes could not be higher. The upcoming fixtures against fierce rivals AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, and Kenya Police FC will test the mettle of this storied club.
The Mashemeji Derby against Ingwe, scheduled for June 2 at the refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, looms large on the horizon.
Zico understands the weight of this encounter, acknowledging it as a pivotal moment in their quest for the double.
"We still have the chance to meet our target of clinching a double this season. We’re still on track,” Zico said.
As the players prepare for this monumental derby, Zico's leadership will play a crucial role in shaping their mindset.
He reckons his experience as a former Kenyan international equips him with the insight needed to navigate the psychological intricacies of high-pressure matches.
"Everything is in our control. We must win our remaining matches, and that’s a challenge we’ve vowed to take head-on.”
The club's storied past, marked by numerous league titles and cup victories, serves as a foundation upon which the current squad builds its aspirations.
"For the players, the prospect of adding another chapter to this illustrious history is a powerful motivator, igniting a fire within them to strive for excellence," Zico said.
As the season progresses, the narrative of Gor Mahia is one of hope, resilience, and an unyielding quest for glory.
"We have formidable challenges ahead, but the spirit of K'Ogalo is indomitable," Zico said.
