Sam Ochola commits to major changes at Gor Mahia in bid for top seat

Preparations are underway as Sam Ochola announces his candidacy for Gor Mahia's top leadership role, committing to significant club transformations.

Gor Mahia secretary general Sam Ochola has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the club's presidential seat in the upcoming elections scheduled for September.

This announcement comes as the tenure of the current office bearers is set to expire next month marking a pivotal moment in the club’s leadership transition.

Ochola, who has been a significant figure within the club's administration for four years, previously occupied his role unopposed.

With the current chairman Ambrose Rachier yet to disclose his future plans, Ochola sees this as the perfect opportunity to elevate his commitment to the club.

"I will be going for the chairman seat in the coming elections and I will be furnishing the registrar with the roadmap to the elections as required by the law," Ochola stated in an interview with Nation.

The administrator emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in the election process.

“We are working around the clock to ensure the elections are held via a secret ballot. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will be in charge this time round. There is no room for shortcuts and I’m ready to face my opponents," he added.

Beyond his aspirations for club leadership, Ochola is also eyeing a higher position within the national sports framework.

Despite the uncertain schedule of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections due to a previously botched Annual General Meeting, Ochola remains undeterred in his pursuit to influence football management at both club and national levels.

Under the 2017 club constitution, which will govern the upcoming elections, stringent eligibility criteria are set, including a requirement for a university degree among others.

“What we are doing now is putting everything in place so that we have a smooth series of events leading to the elections and those who are interested can come forward. A university degree is a must among other requirements which are clearly spelt out including the term limits,” Ochola said.

Ochola detailed that the constitution, which bars any official who has served two terms of four years each from running again, will ensure fresh leadership and ideas propel the club forward.

This rule excludes several current leaders from re-election, including the long-serving chairman Ambrose Rachier and vice chairman Francis Wasuna, thus paving the way for new candidates like Ochola.

Reflecting on his tenure and future plans, Ochola shared his vision for Gor Mahia, which aligns with the ambitions that Rachier had set during his leadership, such as the construction of a modern stadium and clinching international titles.

“I want to build Gor Mahia a modern stadium at Kasarani and help the team win either CAF  Confederation Cup or CAF  Champions League or both. I promise to achieve this and leave,” he told Nation Sport in 2020 after being reelected.

Ochola's business acumen garnered from his experiences outside the football world including his association with a local television station, positions him as a candidate with a broad perspective on management and commercial success.

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