Defending Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia takes to the field at Moi Stadium,Kisumu this evening, in their league opener against host Chemelil FC, a team they have never lost to.
In ten encounters between the two, Gor has won 9 times, with just a draw being registered during the period.
K’Ogalo as Gor is nicknamed, have lost two successive matches during the preseason; against Kenya Cup winners Bandari 1-0 in the league curtain raiser (DSTV Super Cup), and over the weekend against little known CNAPS from Madagascar, who shocked them 2-1 in front of home crowd at Nyayo,Nairobi, in the CAF Champions League.
Frank Nuttall’s men will thus have to put their troubles aside, and start on a new page if they dream of emulating their last season’s impeccable run, which saw them go 30 matches unbeaten.
“The season is on and we are keen on doing well and getting good results. We will be taking every match as they come without under rating any team and in every match, our target will remain the same – winning.” Head Coach Frank Nuttall said.
Pressure will no doubt be firmly on their side, as they seek to dispel rumors of sabotage within the playing unit, by delivering a win badly needed by the adoring fans.
A new tricking partnership of Enock Agwanda and Jacob Keli, will be stepping into big shoes left by Michael Olunga and Meddie Kagere who left the club in January; the two had a huge impact in the last year’s success netting over thirty goals in the league.
In goal, skipper Jerry Onyango could step in for regular Bonny Oluoch who requested not to be included in the squad for personal reasons.
Big signing, Rwandan forward Jacques Tuyisenge will still not be available for selection, as he is still recovering from injury.
Chemelil under new Coach Francis Baraza on the other hand, will be seeking to succeed where the rest have failed, by being the first tactician to pull a win over the 15 – Kenyan champions. The squad is a blend of youth and experience, with the likes of Ken Okaka, a fresh signing straight from high school and Ugandan forward Benson Ociti within their ranks.
Benson particularly will be a player to watch in this encounter, the tall lanky Uganda Cranes international, is a good ball player, his presence is the air is quite remarkable,and most importlty; a part from scoring, he can also create chances for others to score.
The match kicks off @3PM local time.
@bonfaceosano
