New-look Gor Mahia Queens set for NSL debut against Bandari Queens

Gor Mahia Queens have ramped up their training sessions as they prepare for their highly anticipated debut in the National Super League (NSL) against Bandari Queens this weekend.

Head coach Francis Ocholla is confident in the team’s progress, noting that despite being a newly formed squad, they have shown promising signs in both training and friendly matches.

“We’ve been doing well in training, and all the players are in great shape physically and mentally,” said Ocholla.

“Our upcoming match against Bandari Queens will be a great opportunity to assess our team as we make our NSL debut.”

The team, previously known as Acakoro, was disbanded and restructured. The new squad is largely composed of school leavers and a few experienced players from other teams.

Ocholla acknowledges that while it’s too early to predict their impact in the league, he sees growth potential.

“We’ve completely moved on from Acakoro. No player from that team is in our current lineup. This is a fresh start, and from the friendlies we’ve played so far, we see a lot of promise,” he added.

Looking ahead, Ocholla emphasized the need to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window, particularly in defence and attack.

He aims to ensure Gor Mahia Queens are in a strong position to compete in the Kenyan Women’s Premier League (KWPL) next season.

“As a new team, it’s important for us to reinforce certain areas. We’ll be looking to sign more attackers and at least two defenders when the transfer window opens,” Ocholla explained. “Our ambition is to secure promotion to the KWPL next season.”

In 2023, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) mandated that all clubs participating in CAF inter-club competitions have a women’s team competing in domestic leagues.

In response, Gor Mahia entered a two-year agreement with Acakoro U19 and rebranded the team to Gor Mahia Queens.

However, with their recent entry into the NSL, Gor Mahia Queens have established themselves as an independent team, distancing from their association with Acakoro.

“Gor Mahia is a big name in football, and our entry into the NSL is a huge opportunity for us,” said Ocholla.

“We plan to use this platform to break into the KWPL next season, and I believe we have what it takes to succeed.”

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s Communications Manager, Nick Okello, revealed that the club has ambitious plans for the women’s team, which include securing sponsorship to ensure financial stability.

“The management is working tirelessly to keep this team afloat,” said Okello. “We want to build Gor Mahia Queens into a powerhouse, just like the men’s team in the FKF Premier League.”

Gor Mahia Queens will travel to the coast for their first-ever NSL match this weekend against Bandari Queens, marking a new chapter for the club.