Gor Mahia face battling Zoo: K’Ogalo won the league title with five matches to spare

AFC LEOPARDS VS GOR MAHIA FC Gor Mahia FC"s Karim Nzigiyimana (right) control ball from Vincent Oburu of AFC Leopards during KPL match at Nyayo National Stadium on Aug 27, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Zoo coach Sammy Okoth expects a difficult match today in Nakuru.

Zoo Kericho head coach Sammy Okoth expects a difficult match against Kenyan Premier League (9KPL) champions elect Gor Mahia when the two sides clash at Afraha Stadium today.

While Zoo go into the match sitting just four points (36) above the relegation zone, K’ogalo have nothing to lose as they are wait for their coronation after being declared the 2017 champions with five matches to go.

But the dilemma mounting the four bottom clubs (Mathare United, Thika United, Western Stima and Muhoroni Youth) embroiled in the relegation dog-fight is just fascinating.  

Although Zoo, Sony Sugar, Nakumatt and AFC Leopards (all 36 points) are also not off the hook yet, their topflight survival fate is in their own hands.

The dynamics and the relegation complexity has left the former Kenyan international a worried man as his boys take on a ‘relaxed’ Dylan Kerr’s side.

“It is always difficult to play against a relaxed team (Gor Mahia) that has nothing to lose. There is a lot of pressure on the other side of the table because over eight teams are in still danger; we need these points more than Gor Mahia,” Okoth told The Standard Sports.

“We have been denied a home advantage, but I have talked to the boys and they are aware of what is ahead of us. We are going all out to get positive results. The remaining matches are very crucial and a point or three will do us good.”

Just like Okoth, Western Stima chairman Laban Jobita whose club host Ulinzi Stars in Kisumu, believes the Powermen have got chances of remaining in the KPL.

“From how things are down there, the battle can go down to the wire. The pressure is there, but I am pleased with how the boys are playing. However, it is not only us who are fighting for the remaining nine points but also those six teams above us. From number 11 to 18, any team can go to National Super League next season,” said Jobita.

“It is not yet over and I am confident we will remain in KPL. We will continue fighting until the end.”