NUTALL'S ACID TEST: New Gor Mahia coach faces baptism of fire against Tusker at Kasarani today

Gor Mahia Dan Sserunkuma(L) fight for ball possession against Osborne Monday of Tusker during their KPL match at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday 26/03/14. They draw 1-1.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

New Gor Mahia coach Frank Nuttall faces his first baptism of fire when the team takes on Tusker at Kasarani today.

By all accounts, this is a top of the bill clash pitting two teams that are all capable of lifting the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title.

Gor Mahia fans are unlikely to expect any other result apart from a win as they seek to extend their stay at the top of the log.

When he was unveiled two weeks ago, Nuttall said he understands what is expected of him and is not intimidated by the pressure from vocal fans.

"I am used to working under pressure. I love pressure and thrive in it a lot. I understand the expectations of the fans and will try to deliver for them," he said.

Gor Mahia lost 3-0 to Simba in Nuttall's first assignment away last weekend.

The result may not have dampened the enthusiasm of fans, but it remains to be seen whether the feeling will still be the same after Tusker's match, especially if the KPL champions drop points.

EFFECTIVE PERSONNEL

In terms of effective personnel, Nuttall has plenty to pick from.

Dan Sserunkuma easily comes to mind if he is looking for someone to penetrate the Tusker back line.

At the heart of the mid-field, he has Collins 'Gatusso' Okoth who will be facing his former club and is confident to pick the maximum points in their quest to retain the KPL title.

"It is an important match for us one we are all fired up to win," Okoth said. "Victory will seriously boost our title chances."

Tusker coach Francis Kimanzi has promised Gor Mahia a 'real battle' on the pitch.

Kimanzi, however, insists that the results of the top of the bill fixture will have no impact on who wins the league.

"It will be a tough game and we are promising them a real battle which we are ready for," Kimanzi said. "Being a match that involves the leading pack, fans should expect to be entertained as both sets of players give their best on the pitch."

He added that "it will have no impact on who eventually wins the league because there are still many games ahead of the end of the season. It will be more like a superiority battle with no guarantee for the title."

Elsewhere, Nairobi City Stars coach Robinson Ofwoko is determined to keep the club in top flight football next season despite going down 1-0 against Sofapaka on Friday.

"Until the last day, no one should write us off," Ofwoko said after the match. "Against Sofapaka, we failed to use our chances and paid for it dearly.

|However, I am happy that we did some things right and intend to improve in our coming matches in the hope that we can pick positive results to remain in the league."

Friday's loss left City Stars in 15th spot on the log with 19 points. That is three less than KCB who beat Ulinzi Stars by a similar margin.