Gor Mahia are seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season with a meeting against Bidco United up next but can the Thika-based side get one over them after six failed attempts?
Gor Mahia will be seeking to continue their good start to the season when they host sixth-placed Bidco United in an FKF Premier League match on Saturday.
K’Ogalo have started showing their might after back-to-back wins against AFC Leopards and Tusker FC which leave them second on the table with 15 points, just one behind leaders Posta Rangers.
Two consecutive draws with Kakamega Homeboyz and KCB had seen doubts start to emerge but Jonathan McKinstry’s men responded with wins over two of their biggest rivals and while they have not been at their brilliant best at times, they have still got the job done.
09:34 - 27.10.2023
FOOTBALL Double blow for Gor Mahia as key defender & midfielder are set to miss Bidco United clash
Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry will have to do without the first-choice center-back and veteran midfielder for the visit of sixth-placed Bidco United on Saturday
“Gor are controlling the games, any time you watch Gor play, apart from just winning, they are controlling the game. Most teams in Kenya don’t know how to control the game and Gor is doing it very well,” former Gor player and assistant coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo said after last weekend’s win over Tusker.
“Even if they don’t play well, there are some matches Gor do not play well, but they are getting three points which is important. Gor can string more than eight touches consecutively.”
That is a statement of endorsement that would perhaps worry Bidco United who have not won against Gor Mahia in their six previous meetings.
K’Ogalo have won three while a similar number of matches have ended in identical 1-1 draws. Those stalemates came in three consecutive meetings before last season when McKinstry’s men won home and away.
Gor Mahia won in Thika 2-1 before claiming a 1-0 victory in the return leg, something that will give them confidence.
However, Bidco have had a good start to the season this time round as they are sixth on the log with 10 points from two wins, four draws and one loss.
09:00 - 25.10.2023
FOOTBALL Former Gor Mahia coach lauds K’Ogalo for finding perfect long-term replacement for Ernest Wendo
The former Gor Mahia assistant coach feels the young midfielder has shown that he is capable of taking over from experienced Wendo when he finally exits the scene
That run includes three clean sheets, two from their last two matches against Bandari and Murang’a Seal, and the other against table toppers Posta Rangers, which will give Anthony Akhulia’s side belief that they can get something from Gor.
It would not be surprising therefore if they set up to frustrate Gor by nullifying all their threats in a bid to secure a point or even all three.
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Gor Mahia will have to do without defender Emery Bayisenge, who is nursing a calf injury, while veteran midfielder Ernest Wendo, who is down with a flu, is also not available.
19:45 - 25.10.2023
Gor Mahia’s Omala more hungry about wins than goals in quest for back-to-back league titles
Omala currently leads the goalscoring charts but insists the team winning matches is more important than individual accolades.
McKinstry, however, hopes to benefit from the influence of the 12th man at Kasarani Stadium.
“They [fans] can see what the team is doing in terms of the performances and work ethic from the boys out on the pitch and that is a good reward from the players in terms of commitment to try and retain this league championship,” said McKinstry.
“Also, the supporters coming in has had an influence on the game, it gives players extra motivation, extra energy because there are moments in games when you feel a little tired when the game is intense and when supporters are there driving you forward, they can be that shot of energy you need to make the difference and collect the three points.”