Has Marcelo finally found his mojo at Gor Mahia?

Jacques Tuyisenge of Gor Mahia celebrates with his teamates after scoring a goal against Tusker FC DURING the super cup Match played at Afraha stadium in Nakuru on March 5,2017.They beat Tusker 1-0.PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

Has Gor Mahia coach Jose Marcelo finally got his mojo at the 15 Kenyan Premier League champions? The Brazilian has been under immense pressure since replacing double-winning coach Frank Nuttall a few months into the 2016 season.

Unlike his predecessor, Marcelo’s team blew hot and cold through-out the 2016 season finishing second with 54 points, seven points behind champions Tusker.

But it seems K’Ogalo are now slowly rediscovering their form as they are currently sitting second on the table standings with 16 points, a point shy of leaders Posta Rangers.

The Sammy Omollo’s side is the only team still unbeaten in the league after Ulinzi Stars’ unbeaten run was halted by Kakamega Homeboyz (1-0) on Wednesday.

Gor Mahia have chalked up five wins in the last seven matches including Wednesday’s 2-1 away victory over Bandari.

With a fully fit squad at his disposal, Marcelo is satisfied he has the numbers and quality to cope with their ever demanding fan-base.

“At Gor Mahia, pressure is normal; when you win they praise you, but they want to kill you when we lose. So, I am used to it. I know it will not be easy winning the league but we are concentrating on getting the results and reclaiming the title,” Marcelo told The Standard Sports.

“We played like a big team against Bandari and truly deserved the win. We know what the fans, media and the management want from us, but as a team, we have our own targets.

“I think this is the best squad I have ever had at Gor Mahia. With the quality and fitness in the team, it is not easy to come up with the line-up. All the 30 players are ready to play, but that’s the opponents’ problems and not mine,” he added.

Despite a section of fans are attributing the team’s recent fortunes to the return of Zedekiah ‘zico’ Otieno at the club, man nick-named to a Brazilian legend, instead of the Brazilian himself, Marcelo is determined to reclaim the title.

“Although Zico is my assistant he is very important person to the team. I am not a jealous man. Fans are entitled to their opinions; I am focused on my targets. I want to go to derby with 19 points.

“Our next target is Mathare United then we will see what will happen,” said Marcelo.

Asked about the difference between last year and this season, the Brazilian said: “The difference is the preparation; we worked very hard in the pre-season and the fruits are there for everybody to see. Our mentality is to play to win, not to lose.”

While Gor Mahia are enjoying a fine form of results, their rivals AFC Leopards have been held back by a series of injuries.

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