Gor Mahia FC and Tusker FC are set to battle it out in a crunch Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) tie on Sunday evening at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.
Tusker head into the match that is planned to start at exactly 4 PM with their minds focused on securing all the three points that will enable them maintain their lead at the top of the table.
The Ruaraka based club have amassed 30 points so far this season from 16 matches (9W,3D,4L), six less than Gor Mahia, who have two games in hand.
The Charles Okere tutored side registered a narrow 1-0 win over Bandari FC in their latest clash that was played on Wednesday January 15.
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Thomas Omole’s first ever goal in his Tusker career made the difference in that hotly contested match that was held in Machakos.
Tusker head acknowledges Gor Mahia’s threat
However, despite the excellent campaign they have had this season, Okere acknowledges that they will have to be fully prepared to beat Gor Mahia.
Statistically, Tusker has not managed to beat Gor Mahia in their last four matches. Gor has won three and picked up a draw.
According to him, although their opponents have a better head-to-head record, his charges have what it takes to stop them
“The most important thing is how you approach the game. If we stick to our game plan, we are going to get the three points. So, for me, we can change that narrative, the history. We can turn it around. We take each and every game with the respect it deserves.
We respect Gor Mahia as a team. They are champions and for us also Tusker we are champions. So, we want to try and motivate our boys, psychologically, because it is all about pressure. If we can handle tomorrow’s pressure, we are good to go,” he offered.
The experienced manager also divulged that the return of Yusuf Maingi and Michael Oduor to the team is a huge boost to them.
Unlike Tusker FC, Gor Mahia have not been in action since January 2 when they defeated Ugandan side Kitara FC in a friendly match.
Their fixture against Posta Rangers was postponed because most of their players and their head coach Zedekiah Otieno were representing the country in the Mapinduzi Cup tournament.
The defending champions will be hoping to extend their winning streak that has seen them secure two consecutive wins in the league.
K’Ogalo, as they famously known, walloped Kenya Police FC 1-0 before hammering Ulinzi Stars 3-0 in the matches that were played on December 14, 2024 and December 18, 2024 respectively.
Alphonce Omija’s take on the upcoming fixture
Speaking ahead of the Tusker clash, Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija stated that they have had adequate preparations
“The preparations have gone well since we resumed training. We are in a level to compete on Sunday Tusker currently sit at the top of the table.
Therefore, I expect it will be a tough match but on our side we have to push more because they will try everything to win the match and retain the position. So, we have to give more extra than them to be able to win that game,” he told SportPesa Blog in an exclusive interview.
Omija, also took the opportunity to ask Gor Mahia fans to travel to Machakos and help the team overcome the Brewers.
“My message to our fans is that we really need them from Sunday. From Tusker’s game on Sunday, I request them to turn up in large numbers and support the team.
Let them paint the Stadium green and white. Let this message reach them,” ended the player who has had a spell in Omani.