"It was a risk worth taking" - Gor Mahia defender delights in maiden league win
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Reading Time: 5min | Tue. 02.06.26. | 07:11
The former Tusker defender embraced the challenge of competing for a place at Kenya's most successful club, and eventually won
Gor Mahia defender Michael Kibwage has described his decision to join the record Kenyan champions as a risk that ultimately paid off handsomely, after helping the club secure the 2025/2026 Football Kenya Federation Premier League title.
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Kibwage was among the standout performers as Gor Mahia clinched the championship for a record-extending 22nd title after finishing with 69 points, five ahead of their closest challengers and eternal rivals AFC Leopards, in what was one of the most fiercely contested title races in recent years.
For the composed centre-back, the triumph carried even greater significance, as it marked the first league title of his professional career.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the former Tusker FC defender reflected on a season that justified his bold decision to leave a comfortable environment and embrace the challenge of competing for a place at Kenya's most successful club.
The former Sofapaka and KCB captain joined Gor Mahia at the beginning of the campaign, following an impressive showing with Harambee Stars during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Despite arriving at a club packed with experienced players and intense competition for places, Kibwage quickly established himself as a key figure in the heart of the defence.
His consistency and leadership proved instrumental throughout the campaign, as Gor Mahia mounted a successful title charge, ending a rare trophy drought during the 2024/2025 season.
The defender played a significant role in the club's impressive defensive record, with K'Ogalo losing only five league matches all season, and conceding just 22 goals—the second-best defensive record in the league behind Kenya Police.
Looking back on his debut season in green and white, Kibwage admitted he is proud of the gamble he took, and grateful that his hard work yielded the ultimate reward.
"I feel very happy and blessed to win the league, my first ever title in my career, and this is something I had targeted from the beginning of the season," said Kibwage.
"Of course, I am very happy to achieve it in my first season wearing Gor Mahia colours. I can confidently say the risk I took in making this move has been successful, especially now that we have won the league, and I have played a major role in it, because I have been consistent throughout the season.
When I got the opportunity to join Gor Mahia, I knew I had to be bold enough to take the challenge. I also understood it would not be a walk in the park in terms of getting playing time, because everyone at Gor is talented in their own way. But I knew the pressure would sharpen me and help me become a better player. Looking back now, I am proud of that decision," he added.
The 2025/2026 season will be remembered as one of the most captivating campaigns in recent FKF Premier League history, with Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards locked in an intense battle for supremacy for much of the season.
Kibwage acknowledged the pressure exerted by Fred Ambani's resurgent AFC Leopards side, revealing that Ingwe's consistency forced Gor Mahia to remain focused until the final round of fixtures.
The defender praised their rivals for raising the competitive standards of the league and making the championship race one that captured the imagination of football fans across the country.
"This has been the best league season so far in my opinion, because the competition was extremely high," he noted. "I also want to congratulate AFC Leopards for the resurgence they showed this season. They gave us sleepless nights right until the final round of matches, and pushed us all the way.
I believe such competition raises the standards of the league. It makes the game more entertaining for the fans, and encourages more people to attend matches. There was definitely pressure on us, but as a team we kept motivating each other every day. We made sure we approached every match with the mentality of winning and staying at the top. In the end, despite all the challenges we faced, God helped us achieve our goal."
Having conquered the domestic scene, Kibwage is now eagerly looking forward to another major milestone in his career—making his debut in the CAF Champions League.
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While he previously featured in the CAF Confederation Cup during his time at AFC Leopards after the club's GOtv Shield triumph, the defender believes competing in Africa's premier club competition represents a completely different challenge and an opportunity he has long dreamed about.
Kibwage views the upcoming continental campaign as a chance to test himself against some of the best players on the continent while gaining invaluable experience for the future.
"Destiny can be delayed, but it can never be denied," he remarked. "This will be my second experience playing in a CAF competition. The first time was with AFC Leopards in the Confederation Cup after we won the GOtv Cup. But getting the opportunity to play in the CAF Champions League is something very special and highly motivating.
"Every player dreams of competing on the biggest stages. Playing in Africa has always been one of my career ambitions, and I believe this opportunity has come at the right moment. It will help me grow as a player, gain more experience and improve further. I am really eager to experience the atmosphere and see what the CAF Champions League is all about."
Having achieved his first league title, Kibwage now turns his attention to the CAF Champions League, where another chapter of his career awaits.