By Robin Toskin

Gor Mahia’s Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic has urged his charges to respect KCB in the wake of Sofapaka’s shock 2-2 draw at home to minnows Muhoroni Youth.

K’Ogalo clash with the bankers Sunday afternoon at the City Stadium and the Croat is keen to maintain their winning momentum, but said the job at hand calls for focus.

“We must be psychologically and physically prepared if we have to continue with our winning ways,” Logarusic said.

The 12-time Kenyan champions have hit a rich vein of form, thanks in part to Logarusic’s regime of discipline – and Gor fans have again found reason to believe they can catch up with the leading pack.

Sofapaka needed two goals from old war-horse John Baraza to rescue a point from a fire lit by Muhoroni Youth, a result Gor coach said it shows there is no small team.

New signings

“We have to respect KCB. Previous matches between the two sides show they have been close and exciting. I may not know what approach they will want to use against us, but what is important for us is to in,” he said.

New signings Dan Serunkuma and Joseph Njuguna found the back of the net in their first outing in in Gor’s 2-1 win away to Western Stima.

But the real gem in Logarusic’s game plan is Rama Salim who has grown in confidence since the Croat took over.

Impressive with his link up play, the former Congo Boys midfielder has weighed in with crucial goals besides being the creative cog.

With Donald Mosoti, Solomon Nasio, Chris Wekesa and Ivan Anguyo all blessed with physical attributes, Gor’s defence can deal with the ruggedness of opposing strikers should push come to shove.

Goalkeeper Fredrick Onyango has won the number one jersey after the club initially experimented with Tanzanian veteran Ivo Mapunda and upstart Wycliffe kasaya.

KCB have lost three matches in a row since beating Muhoroni back in May, with one of those losses, 3-2, at the hands of Gor Mahia. Two back-to back losses to Sony Sugar has left coach James Otieno scratching his head for a winning formula.

KCB have, at times, displayed breathtaking football but find themselves on the losing side.

Midfielder Michael Oyando returns from suspension while goalkeeper Kaleb Adola could be restored in the starting lineup with defender Emmanuel Olupot and experienced midfielder Elvis Ayany, also, likely to be restored in the first eleven.