Gor Mahia look to go 13-clear in FKF PL title race

• Gor are currently 10 points clear in the race
• Bandari has not beaten Gor Mahia since 2018
• Bandari can squeeze the gap to seven points with a win

Record FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia will look to go 13 points clear on top of the FKF Premier League standings, when they take on Bandari FC at the Mbaraki Complex in Mombasa.

Gor have bad memories of their most recent trip down to the Coast, as they were beaten on penalties by lower league side Denmak FC in the second round of the FKF Cup two weeks ago, and will hope to come back to the city with better memories this time round.

K’Ogalo are placed top of the Premier League standings with 50 points, a massive 10 ahead of second placed Tusker and a win will add three more points to the buffer, with Tusker set to play their arch rivals AFC Leopards later on Sunday.

Head coach Jonathan McKinstry expects a tough duel down at the Coast, and has called on his players to put in their best foot to ensure they rake in maximum points.

“It will be a difficult game definitely and we are very well prepared, knowing that Mbaraki is a very difficult venue to go to. Definitely we expect the crowd to be all out to support there home team and a very good atmosphere, but we have prepared well for that,” McKinstry said ahead of the game.

He is cautious that the home side will pour in everything at them, knowing they have very little to lose in the game.

Gor cautious of their approach

Gor Mahia players during a training session. PHOTO/Gor/.X

“It will be more or less of how Posta approached last weekend where they had more bodies infront to try and get a goal. Bandari have noting to lose and for us, we are approaching the game more relaxed because we want to take maximum points,” the coach said.

He adds; “We have a 10-point cushion and a good record against our opponents and that should give us a relaxed approach to the game. We want to maintain that record.”

The reigning champions have enjoyed more success over Bandari over the last 29 meetings. The record Kenyan champions have won a whooping 17 of those matches and they have lost only six. The rest ended in draws.

They have also won slightly over half of the matches they have played in Mombasa, earning maximum points in seven of their 13 trips down to Mbaraki.

The dockers have won five of their six matches against Gor Mahia at home, and if they are to look for any solace for this match, then this little stat will spur them on. McKinstry’s men were victorious in their last visit to Mbaraki, winning 2-1.

This season, the 20-time champions have already beaten Bandari, winning 1-0 in the first leg played in Machakos, Austin Odhiambo scoring a late goal. Bandari’s last win over K’Ogalowas in December 2018, when they won 2-1 in Mombasa.

Gor missing several players for the match

Gor Mahia players during a training session. PHOTO/Gor/.X

Ahead of this weekend’s match, K’Ogalo will be without midfielder John Macharia (illness), Emery Bayisenge (quad muscle injury) and Patrick Kaddu (hamstring), but coach McKinstry says he will still have a strong squad at his disposal, with good depth covering him up.

Meanwhile, Bandari come into this match knowing three points would be vital in their pale hopes for the title. They are third in the standings with 40 points, 10 behind Gor, and a win will send them to second, with a seven point deficit, improving their chances of the title.

A loss will however, put them further adrift the chase. Coach John Baraza will be looking to push his side to go for maximum points at home especially putting in mind this is their only chance for a title, as, just like Gor, they have been eliminated from the Cup.

Bandari are in good form, with three wins in their last five matches, and are confident of picking a fourth against rivals Gor.

Meanwhile in other matches set for Saturday, March 9, 2024 Nairobi City Stars look to bounce back to victory when they take on Bidco United while Sofapaka will play Murang’a Seals.