SON, WHAT NEXT? Gor Mahia coach predicts tough times ahead in title race

GOR MAHIA VS SOFAPAKA Gor Mahia Coach Ze Maria in a deep thought with his striker Jacques Tuyisenge during their KPL match against Sofapaka at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 25/09/16.They draw 0-0.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Gor Mahia are not in any panic mode, despite trailing Tusker in the Kenyan Premier League title race.

Already, K’Ogalo have fired the first salvo; it will not be easy for their nemesis. It will be all war; eyes on the ball at all times.

Gor coach Jose Marcelo Ferreira said the next five matches will be a test of character for the champions, who must win all their remaining matches and pray for a Tusker fall in at least two games. If such were to happen, then Gor will be happy to retain the title. But again, that’s just on paper and purely a Gor’s prayer.

“We know it is now going to be tough, but we are not yet in that panic mode. We have five matches to go, including playing Tusker on the final day of the season,” said the Brazillian coach nicknamed Ze Maria.

“The draw against Sofapaka and other similar results have complicated our situation, but the most important thing is for us to keep fighting until the final day.

“The race is never decided until one breaks the tape and at this point, neither Tusker nor us, has seen the tape,” he added.

“If you compare the two of us, you will realise that we have dropped points when least expected, so it is not a forgone conclusion that Tusker will win their remaining matches.

That is why I am insisting that we are not panicking.”

Ze Maria will be happy to remember that his side has beaten Tusker twice in their three meetings this season.

Gor won 4-0 on aggregate during the Top Eight competition. They defeated the Ruaraka side 3-0 in Kisumu and 1-0 in the return leg in Nairobi.

However in the league, Tusker won, albeit controversially, after they were awarded a debatable penalty. That match was halted briefly after a section of Gor fans vented their anger on the referee, prompting Kenya Premier League to dock the champions three points.

But Tusker coach Paul Nkata is alive to the threat Gor pose and he has issued a rallying call to his players not to relent in the race.

“I have told them to keep their eyes on the ball. We know we are just four wins off the title, but that is still far away. We must take a game at a time,” said Nkata.

“Gor Mahia are very experienced and can turn around the four-point deficit if we do not remain steadfast in our quest,” he added.

Nkata believes the race is still open despite his side enjoying the four-point gap.

“We have some breathing space at the top, thanks to last weekend’s results, which worked to our favour, but there are still 15 points to fight for.”

“We need 12 and the title will be ours, but we have to work hard for them.”

Athletics
Kenya hoping to defend World Cross Country title in Belgrade
Football
Fifa threatens Kenya with ban again
Unique Sports
SCHOOLS: Lenana School, Kisumu Girls and Agoro Sare turn focus on national games finals
Motorsport
Safari Rally: 29 drivers set for epic showdown as Safari Rally zooms off