A year ago, it might have been hard to believe Gor Mahia would enter the 2023/24 Kenyan Premier League season as defending champions.
'K'Ogalo' may have more titles than any other club, but following serious financial struggles, consecutive campaigns had ended in disappointment.
A Fifa-imposed transfer ban over money allegedly owed to former players made new signings impossible adding to the woes.
"It was certainly an interesting challenge. Expectations were low," explained the club's Northern Ireland born head coach Johnny McKinstry.
"There were days in pre-season last year when there were only seven or eight players turning up for training.