GOR SWITCH GEARS: Red hot Tuyisenge fuels K’Ogalo on KPL overtaking lane

GOR MAHIA- THIKA UNITED GOR Mahia Jacques Twisenge(L) celebrate his second goal with Haron Shakava against Thika United during their Sportpesa Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday 06/04/16.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

The Kenyan Premier League is changing week by week but Gor Mahia’s resurgence remains the talking point as the first leg comes close to an end.

The defending champions look to be slowly creeping back to the top after a stuttering start to the season thanks to Jacques Tuyisenge’s great compatibility and poaching instincts in front of goal. The Rwandese has been an integral part of Gor’s resurgence in the league.

With head coach Jose Marcelo still integrating players like Tuyisenge and Eric Ouma into the team he inherited from Frank Nuttall in March, the 15 time champions now seem to be rediscovering their form.
The Rwandan record signing, who missed the first five league matches due to injury, has already proved he is worth his Sh4m transfer fee after scoring six goals in his seven appearances for Gor including the decisive, but controversial Top 8 quarterfinals goal against Ushuru.

Although Gor Mahia haven’t been as sharp as they were at this point of last season, Tuyisenge believes they have started to show signs of regaining that sort of cohesiveness and sharpness in front of goal.

“We are coming from a very tough period, but since we are scoring and winning games the future is bright. I am just enjoying what I was signed to do,” Tuyisenge told Feverpitch.
“This is not an individual effort but teamwork because I get those assists from my teammates. And since most teams don’t know me well and my style of play, it is working on my advantage.”

The former Police FC talisman was on target last weekend as ten-man Gor beat Muhoroni Youth 2-0 to leapfrog AFC Leopards into the fourth place (20 points) and go ahead of their arch-rivals for the first time this season.

His instant impact and impressive partnership with George Odhiambo has turned him into a darling of K’Ogalo fans.

“There is no doubt Tuyisenge has been instrumental since his debut against Homeboyz. Everybody has felt his impact and whenever the team plays well he scores. I am happy for him,” said Gor coach Jose Marcelo after their Top 8 win over Ushuru.
Although Tuyisenge seems to have filled the gap left by former deadly striking duo of Meddie Kagere and Michael Olunga, the striker has played down his comparison with last year’s pair.

“Olunga and Kagere did great things for this club, so there is no way I can be compared with them. This is a new year and I am also here on a mission. The difference between us and league leaders (Tusker) is only four points, so anything is possible-the league is still wide open,” he added.

Gor Mahia face Western Stima this Sunday before taking on Mathare United and Sofapaka in their final two games of the first leg.

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