The preliminary rounds for the Champions League begin in early fall. The first legs of the initial preliminary round will be played between September 4-6, 2026, with return legs taking place on September 11-13, 2026.
Gor Mahia were crowned the FKF Premier League champions, putting in their cabinet their 22nd trophy after a successful 2025-26 campaign. K’Ogalo finished top of the log with 69 points, five ahead of their traditional rivals AFC Leopards, who finished second.
Gor Mahia’s most recent participation in the Champions League was in the 2024-25 season, where they competed in the early preliminary rounds. The team’s last appearance in the tournament’s prestigious group stage occurred during the 2018-19 campaign.
Ahead of their return to the competition, Gor Mahia have confirmed the release of four players and four signings.
Among the players released include Fidel Origa, Chris Ochieng, Bryson Wangai and Levin Odhiambo.
“Everyone at Gor Mahia thanks Fidel (Origa), Chris, Bryson and Levin for their service and wishes them every success in their future endeavours,” read part of the statement from the club.
Daniel Sakari joins the champions
Among the new signings for Gor Mahia is Harambee Stars defender Daniel Sakari, who joined the club as a free agent after leaving former champions Kenya Police FC.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Daniel Sakari, one of Kenya’s most accomplished and consistent full-backs, ahead of the 2026-27 season,” said the club statement.
“The Harambee Stars international joins us on a two-year deal with a wealth of experience at both club and international level, adding quality, versatility and leadership to K’Ogalo’s defensive unit as the club prepares to defend its league title and compete on the continental stage.”
On the international stage, Sakari has become a familiar face in the Harambee Stars setup since making his senior debut in 2019.
He has represented Kenya in AFCON qualifiers, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, and other international competitions, earning praise for his composure, tactical discipline and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Gor Mahia have also acquired the services of striker Paul Okoth, who joined following a breakthrough campaign with Ulinzi Stars, where he established himself as one of the most feared strikers in Kenyan football.
Okoth arrived at Gor Mahia after finishing as the league’s second-highest scorer with 18 goals, narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot by a single goal.
Gor Mahia sign keeper from Equity FC
In the goalkeeping department, Gor Mahia have acquired the services of Michael Onyango from lower division side Equity Bank FC.
Onyango joined on a two-year deal after an impressive campaign in the FKF National Super League, where he established himself as one of the competition’s standout goalkeepers.
His consistent performances between the posts played an important role in Equity Bank’s promotion push and attracted the attention of several top-flight clubs that wanted his signature.
Last but not least, Gor Mahia announced the signing of experienced winger David Okoth on a two-year deal.
Okoth arrived as a most accomplished attacking player, bringing with him a wealth of experience, versatility and a proven ability to both score and create goals.
His spells at Kakamega Homeboyz, Nzoia Sugar and Kenya Police FC saw him score 36 goals in the top flight, and his addition further strengthened Gor Mahia’s squad.
Okoth produced the finest football of his career for Homeboyz during the memorable 2021-22 season, where he was instrumental in guiding the Kakamega-based side to a runners-up finish in the league, narrowly missing out on the title.
The 16 teams that advance from that round will enter the group stages, which kick off a month later on the weekend of 27-29 November.
The first three rounds will be played before Christmas, with 4-6 December and 18-20 December also utilised.
The competitions will then take a short break before the second half of the group stages is completed on 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24 January 2027.
