- Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has expressed his dissatisfaction with the playing surface at Dandora Stadium.
- He described the artificial turf as unfavorable not only for his team but also equally challenging for their opponents.
- Gor Mahia secured their first win of the season at the same venue last weekend, defeating Sofapaka 0-2.
- They will face KCB this weekend at Dandora Stadium on Sunday.
Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has expressed his dissatisfaction with the playing surface at the Dandora Stadium, terming it unfavorable.
The record Kenyan champions secured their first victory of the season at this venue last weekend 0-2 against Sofapaka, following an opening-day 0-1 home defeat to Bidco United.
Speaking ahead of their third league match – an away clash against KCB scheduled for Sunday, October 5, at 4:00 PM EAT, also at Dandora Stadium, the Ghanaian tactician raised significant concerns about the pitch conditions.
He labeled the artificial turf not only unfavorable for his side but equally disadvantageous for their opponents.
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“It’s not the best”: Gor Mahia coach Akkonnor raises concern on Dandora Stadium turf
We have not settled well yet because the venue is uncertain; today it’s Nyayo Stadium, tomorrow it changes again to Dandora. This inconsistency is challenging, and of course, the pitch is unfavorable for both teams.
The surface is slippery and provides no comfort. The players cannot demonstrate what they have been practicing because it is sloppy and simply not the best.”
However, the former Ghana men’s national team head coach stated they have devised a strategy for the artificial turf and are prepared to neutralize the opposition.
“Nonetheless, if that is where we must play, we will have to manage. We managed to win there the other day.
We will avoid building from the back and instead press in the opponent’s half, force them to play, and find a way to execute our style. We have analyzed our opponents’ tactics and are adequately prepared.”
Gor Mahia coach explains area of improvement for next fixture
K’Ogalo is determined to bounce back from last season’s disappointment, where they finished without a trophy, and are eager to reclaim the title.
Akonnor identified the missing component in the squad: their efficiency in the final third. He emphasized that while other departments are functioning well, converting chances is the primary focus.
“It was fortunate we won our recent match after an initial defeat. We realized we lacked potency in the attacking final third and have been addressing it since the first game. Even after the victory, we are still working on creating clear opportunities and converting them.”
“Apart from that, I think we have been performing very well in terms of possession; it has been really good. Defensively, we only need some fine-tuning, but the main priority is creating chances and making them count.”
On Sunday, they face the Robert Matano side who are brimming with confidence after returning to winning ways.
They edged out Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 in their midweek fixture, claiming their second victory, and will be seeking a third win in their fourth match, while Gor Mahia will be playing their third.