Kenyan Premier League: Will Ulinzi derail Gor Mahia's coronation?

Gor Mahia midfielder Collins 'Gatuso' Okoth dribbles the ball past Boniface Onyango (right) of Ulinzi Stars in action during their KPL match at City Stadium on May 2, 2015.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Gor Mahia will be crowned this year’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions if second-placed Ulinzi Stars lose their match today against Western Stima.

The soldiers, who are back in action after a two-week absence, are determined to delay Gor’s march to a third successive league title.

But Stima coach Henri Omino has urged Gor Mahia fans to start celebrating as his side is confident of defeating the soldiers and in the process, give the KPL champions the title on a silver platter.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Omino said: ”It is a difficult one for both of us. We know Ulinzi are coming all out for a win as they are determined to delay Gor Mahia being crowned champions, but I want to tell the KPL champions to start early celebrations because we are going to stop our opponents today.”

If Stima win today, Gor Mahia, who have 62 points perched at the top of the 16-team log, will only need to beat Ulinzi Stars on September 12 at Afraha Stadium, and be crowned champions with 65 points.

No team has ever won the league with more than 60 points since the 2009 season.

The soldiers are placed second on the log with 44 points and can only get 62 points in case they win against Stima today.

Going into this match, Stima have not had a smooth ride and only bounced back to winning ways last weekend against Nairobi City Stars.

But Omino is not a worried man. “It has been a bit disappointing in our last five matches but the win against City Stars is a major morale booster for us and we hope it can inspire us against Ulinzi,” he said.

Stima are eighth with 33 points and Omino insists they are still on course for a top five finish.