Gor coach McKinstry warns his side ahead of Denmak duel

• Gor Mahia face Denmak FC in Ukunda
• They have not won the Cup over the last few years
•  Defending champions Homeboyz play Solian City

Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has warned his side not to take their FKF Cup game against lower league side Denmak FC for granted, giving an example of Bandari FC who were knocked out by Division Two side Bungoma Stars.

Gor start their Cup campaign in the round of 32 against the Regional League side in Ukunda, Coastal Kenya. The record Premier League champions have not enjoyed as much success in the Cup over the recent years.

But this time, Gor coach McKinstry says they are giving their all in the tournament and their ambition is to go all the way and win.

“We know it is not going to be an easy match. We saw Bandari get knocked out by a lower league side and this will happen if we are not serious and look at it as a break,” McKinstry warned his side.

He adds; “We know it is not going to be easy. The humidity and temperatures are high and it will be tough to manage those conditions but we are confident because we have been in good form in the league and the players have been in good form as well.”

Gor taking the Cup seriously

Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry

Despite looking all set to clinch the FKF Premier League with an eight-point buffer on top of the standings, McKinstry said Gor are treating the Cup with equal seriousness as it also gives them an avenue to play Continental football.

“The Cup is important for us and we want to go far. It is five games to a trophy and a large prize as well as Continental qualification,” noted the coach.

On the difficult conditions expected by Gor, the tactician says; “We know the pitch is dry and hard will play to their hosts advantage because they are used to those conditions. This week we moved our training to Stima ground to try and mirror those conditions and I believe we are well prepared.”

Meanwhile, McKinstry has hinted he might rotate his squad, to give some players with less minutes under their boots an opportunity and he believes they will give a good account of themselves.

“Some players will get an opportunity because they have not played many matches and they have a point to prove. I am confident they are ready and they have shown it in training. Everybody in this team is always ready when the chance comes,” the coach noted.

Meanwhile in other matches scheduled for Sunday, AFC Leopards who last won the trophy in 2017 are looking to ride on their good form in the league to vie for silverware this season.

With the league title already looking off their grasp, Leopards are looking at the Cup as a good avenue for winning a trophy as well as a route to playing Continental football.

Trucha says AFC Leopards ready to battle

AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha. PHOTO/Capital Sports

Head coach Tomas Trucha says his team is ready to battle for a chance at a trophy at the end of the season. They will take on lower league side PAC University at the Police Sacco Grounds.

“AFC Leopards fans deserve a trophy this season and this is our chance. We know it is not going to be easy because any team playing against a superior opponent always comes ready and prepared. We have to take the match very seriously and give our best,” noted the coach.

Last season, they were knocked out in the quarter finals by Kakamega Homeboyz who went on to win the title. This season, they have vowed to go all the way.

Meanwhile, holders Homeboyz will also have an easy opening tie as they will take on Regional League side Solian City FC in Eldama Ravine.

Sunday fixtures:

PAC University vs AFC Leopards  (Police Sacco Stadium, 3:15 pm)

Zetech Titans vs Mara Sugar (Police Sacco Stadium, 12 noon)

Karatina Homeboyz vs Bidco United (Karatina Stadium, 3 pm)

MOFA vs KCB  (MOFA Complex, 1 pm)

Solian City vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Solian Girls High School, El Dama Ravine, 1 pm)

Bumbani Stars vs Tusker  (Ukunda Showground, 12 noon)

Shalimar vs Shabana (Longonot Horticulture Grounds, 3 pm)

Al Azizia vs Mombasa Stars (Kinoru Stadium, 3 pm)

Denmark vs Gor Mahia (Ukunda Showground, 3:15 pm)

Harvest of Hope Africa vs Ulinzi Stars (Mumias Sports Complex, 1 pm)

Nyamira Super Eagles vs Kariobangi Sharks (Cardinal Otunga High School, 1 pm)