By Gilbert Wandera
Kenyan Premier League Top Eight champions Gor Mahia begin their title defence against Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo National Stadium.
This is the second time in as many weeks the two sides are meeting and, for both coaches, it provides a chance to seek revenge.
Ulinzi have not forgotten the manner they lost last year’s Top Eight final to Gor, who were awarded a suspicious goal even though the ball had not crossed the line, according to television replays, and will be seeking to correct things tonight.
For Gor, on the other hand, a desire to erase the 2-0 loss they suffered at the hands of Ulinzi two weeks ago at City Stadium should provide the motivation to win tonight.
This, coupled with the fact they bowed out of continental football last weekend, is enough reason for Gor to desire to pick all trophies on offer this season.
Speaking about the fixture, Ulinzi coach, Salim Ali, said the game is different and they will approach it with a different attitude even as they seek to edge out their rivals.
“This is a competition and so the strategy is quite different from a league match. We will therefore approach it quite differently,” he said.
Furthermore, Ulinzi will be keen to bounce back to winning ways after going two matches without a win on the league front. But the Ulinzi coach knows it is not easy to beat a team twice in a row and must find a way to motivate his players.
Team captain Evans Amuoka will again lead from the front as he did two weeks ago when he scored both goals for his side.
His Gor Mahia counterpart, Zradvko Logarusic, said he respects Ulinzi and admitted they have a tough assignment on their hands.
With veteran midfielder Moses Odhiambo recovered, Gor have many options in the middle of the pack, but the absence of Paul Kiongera is still a concern.
Gor have had to endure the absence of some of their key players since the season started, but they have so far shown they can still do well even in their absence.
In other Top Eight fixtures, AFC Leopards, who skipped their semi-final clash against arch-rivals Gor Mahia last year, will launch their campaign against Chemelil Sugar on April 17, while KPL champions Tusker take on Mathare United in the fourth first round match on April 24.
The first round matches will be played on a knock-out format. If the winners of the match will not be found in regulation time, then the match will head straight to penalties.
The semi-finals fixtures will be played on a home and away basis. The winners of the tournament will earn Sh 1 million in prize money.
