Gor Mahia head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has said he is not intimidated by Tusker FC’s fine form ahead of their eagerly-awaited encounter on Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
The Ruaraka-based brewers head into the battle after a slim 1-0 victory over Bandari to climb to the top of the Kenyan Premier League standings on 30 points.
Fourth in the standings with 27 points, K’Ogalo will be keen to please their angry supporters who are becoming more and more irritated with their patchy league results.
Otieno is aware securing points from Sunday’s thriller will not be a walk in the park.
“I know it will not be a simple tie because we will be up against a team that has been playing fantastic football. But we are working tirelessly to win,” Otieno stated.
“The competition is getting tighter by the day and we can’t afford to drop points at this point in time.”
Tusker’s tactician Charles Okere, acknowledged that Gor Mahia is a formidable opponent but added that they are eager to get as many points as possible to increase their chances of winning the championship this year.
“We are determined to get a positive outcome from the match but we hold Gor in high esteem as the current champions,” Okere stated.
“The morale in the camp is high and we hope to maintain the tempo.”
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has tipped his charges to extend their splendid run when they take on Talanta at Dandora Stadium on Saturday.
Leopards, who are in sixth place with 22 points, are eager to get maximum points Talanta and raise their hopes of clinching their first league silverware that has evaded the 13-time champions for the last 27 years.
A victory would propel them to the top five in the ranking. Their rivals head into the encounter low on confidence after a torrid start to the season that leaves them dangling on the edge of relegation.
Ambani has, nonetheless, cautioned his charges against complacency.
“I think it is time for us to compete and turn the tables to win the league and make our fans proud. We have been without a league title for a long time but I believe this could be our season if we put our house in order,” Ambani said.
He complimented his players’ efforts in putting on master-class performances that have set the tone for a vicious title hunt, adding that he has immense faith they can halt their 27- year title drought.
FKFPL weekend fixtures
Saturday
Kariobangi Sharks vs Ulinzi Stars (1.00pm) at Dandora Stadium
Kakamega Homeboyz vs Bidco United (2.00pm) at Mumias Sports Complex
Mara Sugar vs Mathare United (2.00pm) at Awendo Green Stadium
AFC Leopards vs Talanta (4.00pm) at Dandora Stadium
Sunday
Bandari vs Shabana (3.00pm) at Mombasa Sports Club
Nairobi City Stars vs KCB (1.00pm at Kenyatta Stadium
Murang’s Seals vs Police FC (3.00pm) at St. Sebastian Sportpesa Arena
Sofapaka vs Posta Rangers (3.00pm) at Dandora Stadium
Tusker FC vs Gor Mahia (4.00pm) at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
