NO REST FOR GOR AND AFC LEOPARDS: In-form K’Ogalo seek City Stars scalp as Ingwe face KCB in banana-skin encounter

Gor Mahia- City Stars
Gor Mahia Collins Okoth(L) battle for ball possession against Mark Ongwae of City Stars during their KPL league match at Nyayo National Stadium on Satursday 04/10/14. Gor won 4-1.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

After a bruising encounter on Sunday that ended 1-1, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards return to action today with K’Ogalo inviting Nairobi City Stars to their abode, Tok’Omwanda (City Stadium) at 3pm.

AFC Leopards, who have not had their unsettled head coach Zdravko Logarusic in training for two days, are away to KCB at the Nyayo National Stadium (7pm) seeking to build on a disciplined performance against red-hot Gor Mahia.

Liberian defender Dirkir Glay could make his long awaited KPL bow for league leaders, K’Ogalo, after he received a special pass clearing him for local action.

The Liberian defender could not play for his new employers since moving from Thika United. Instead, he was involved in continental action thanks to a special arrangement granted to AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia and Sofapaka to sign up to seven foreign players.

Although players from East African countries do not require a work permit, clubs can only have up to five (5) players on the team sheet, according to KPL CEO Jack Oguda.

“We have received Glay’s special pass so there should be no problem fielding him,” Oguda said.

Gor Mahia assistant coach Frank Ouna dispelled injury fears after their feisty clash with AFC leopards, saying everyone is available for the Nairobi City Stars clash.

“All players are available, of course barring foreign players not registered for this season,” Ouna said after yesterday’s training session.

The 14-time KPL champions will be expecting a routine outing against Nairobi City Stars, who they have beaten five times and drawn thrice in the last eight meetings.

While Gor exude confidence buoyed by their 13 points out of a possible 15, AFC Leopards are still grappling with managerial conundrum.

Assistant coach Yusuf Chippo took the team through their paces yesterday while Logarusic stayed away.

Asked about the team’s preparations ahead of today’s banana-skin tie with KCB, the explosive Croat said: “I don’t know.”

“I don’t know about the state of the team because I have not seen the players since the Gor Mahia match.”

Chippo, too, declined to comment, only saying the players are ready to honour the match as it became apparent the Den is bogged down with communication problems.