Why Bidco United coach was unsurprised to stun Gor Mahia
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 23.09.25. | 17:50
After a turbulent 2024/25 campaign where Bidco survived relegation on the final day, the coach parted ways with close to 20 players
Bidco United head coach Anthony Akhulia says he was pleased, but not surprised, to beat Gor Mahia on the opening day of the FKF Premier League season.
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The Kenya U20 assistant coach revealed that he had welcomed the chance to face the record champions when the fixtures were released, confident that his players would rise to the occasion.
On Sunday at Kasarani, his belief was justified. Despite being second best for long spells, Bidco soaked up pressure before striking on the counter, winning a penalty that new signing Newton Ochieng converted to hand Bidco a 1-0 victory.
For many, the result was a shock. For Akhulia, it was a confirmation of what he had expected from the moment he saw his team paired with Gor in the opener.
“Whenever an underdog faces a giant like Gor, the players motivate themselves,” Akhulia said. “When I saw the fixture and knew we were starting the league against Gor Mahia, I felt it would be a good test for us.
We wanted to measure our level after making massive changes to the squad. For this new team to perform as they did is very encouraging.”
Akhulia’s confidence comes from the major surgery he carried out on his squad during the off-season transfer window.
After a turbulent 2024/25 campaign where Bidco survived relegation on the final day, the coach parted ways with close to 20 players.
In their place, he brought in fresh blood, mostly young and hungry talents from the lower divisions, determined to build a squad for the future.
To prepare them for the new season, he lined up a series of friendlies against both top-flight and lower-league sides. By the time Gor Mahia came calling, Akhulia already had faith that his recruits were ready to step onto the big stage.
That faith was rewarded at Kasarani. Goalkeeper Issa Emuria showed composure between the posts, defender Ken Odhiambo held his own at the back, midfielder Ken Mwando was industrious in the middle, while Ochieng, signed from the National Super League, kept his nerve to slot home the winning penalty.
“I’m delighted with my new signings, they met my expectations,” Akhulia said. “Most of them came from the second division, and they really impressed me today.”
The win has set the tone for Bidco’s season, though they will have to wait before building on it.
Their scheduled fixture against Kenya Police FC has been postponed as the Law Enforcers prepare for their CAF Champions League tie against Mogadishu Club.
Bidco’s next league outing will be an away trip to Kakamega Homeboyz on Wednesday, 15 October.
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