- Gor only need a win to clinch the title with three matches left
- Muhoroni are fighting relegation
- AFC Leopards will face Bidco in another match
Defending champions Gor Mahia FC stand on the door of destiny when they take on Muhoroni Youth at the St Sebastian Park in Murang’a on Sunday. They will clinch a record extending 21st FKF Premier League title with three points against Muhoroni, and the team is pumped up to give their best.
K’Ogalo would have moved a point closer to the title in midweek when they faced KCB, but were held to a draw. The result however only delayed their party, but did not obstruct what is now an inevitable result.
They sit top of the standings with 54 points, eight ahead of second placed Tusker FC, and victory takes them to 57 points, opening up an unassailable 11-point gap with only three matches left before the season ends.
Head coach Johny McKinstry knows this will be a tough match and has asked his players to keep their heads cool and put up a good performance, the consequences of result notwithstanding.
“We know it is a big day for us and we have a very good chance of winning the title on Sunday. I want us to approach the match with no pressure and just like any game we play. We don’t want to invite unnecessary pressure on ourselves,” the tactician said.
He added; “We know that Muhoroni are fighting for their lives in the relegation battle and it is never easy playing against such side. We just need to be cautious and ensure we perform to our levels.”
Gor has not lost to Muhoroni
Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry issuing instructions to his players during a training session. PHOTO/Gor/X
Gor has not lost to Muhoroni in their last 12 meetings, but have some memories of their meeting away from home last season when they held them to a 0-0 draw to almost derail their title party as they went neck to neck with Tusker FC.
This season, Gor have already beaten them in their home turf in Kisumu, with a 2-0 scoreline, and are keen to complete a double and finish the job.
But it will not be an easy duel against a Muhoroni side battling to remain in the Premier League. They are econd from bottom in the standings on 28 points, one below Shabana, and a win will be crucial to hoist them off the root of the standings.
A defeat against Gor will be detrimental as with three matches to go, they will be in must win positions.
Meanwhile in other matches set for Sunday, other strugglers Sofapaka will be away to Bandari FC in Ukunda. Sofapaka are 15th in the standings and two points away from Shabana. A win against the dockers will be crucial in their desire for safety.
They come up against a Bandari side that has been misfiring of late, and with four draws in their last five matches, Batoto ba Mungu will be licking their fingers at the possibility of taking a stab at a win.
Leopards face Bidco in Machakos
AFC Leopards players in a training session
At the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, resurgent AFC Leopards will be up against Bidco United, with an aim of pushing into the top three of the FKF Premier League. Leopards are currently fourth with 47 points, and victory takes them into the fifties, four points behind Police FC.
Ingwe have enjoyed a stellar second half of the season and head coach Thomas Trucha is keen to continue their push for the top and clinch a fourth win in five matches.
The team comes into the match off a hard earned 1-0 win over Police FC, and against Bidco, a stubborn side, they are keen to make it a fourth win in a row.
“We know it will be a difficult match and we know what is required of us. But we have managed to accumulate some good confidence as a team from the last few games. Everyone is looking forward to doing a good match and getting a win,” said the tactician.
Leopards are keen to pick a win which will offer them a good bounce heading into next weekend, where they face Police again, this time in the FKF Cup.
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