Gor Mahia keen to switch off Supersport: Caf tie Place in lucrative group stage at stake when two sides clash in Machakos

Esperance Club's Saneh Derbali and Jaques Tuyisenge (left) of Gor Mahia FC during first round match of the CAF Champions league on March 7, 2018 at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

South African side making their second visit to Kenya after eliminating AFC Leopards in 2014.

Stakes are high for Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia and South Africa’s SuperSport United as they clash in a highly anticipated first leg match of the CAF Confederations Cup play-offs at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos today (3pm).

Save for the monetary rewards and benefits that will see the winner (on aggregate of the two legged fixture) cash in Sh27m (USD 275, 000) for qualifying to the prestigious group stages, both clubs will be aiming to make a return to the big stage of African football.

If Gor Mahia prevail in the group stages and progress to the quarter-finals, they will pocket Sh35m (USD 350,000) with another step into the semi-finals earning them Sh45m (USD 450,000). And if K’Ogalo replicate the 1987 performance to reclaim the title, they will walk away with Sh126m (USD 1,250,000) as Sh63m (USD 625,000) goes to the runners up.

While Gor Mahia have not won a continental silverware since 1987, Matsatsantsa, who are making a second visit to Kenya after eliminating AFC Leopards (4-2 on aggregate) in the first round of the same competition in 2014, missed out on last year’s title after losing 2-1 on aggregate to TP Mazembe in the final.

Despite Gor and SuperSport coming into the match on contrasting form, both teams are aware of the value and pride that comes with playing in the second tier of the continental clubs’ tournament.

Unlike Gor Mahia who have been in imperious form domestically, going seven matches unbeaten, the South Africans have found the going tougher in the Premier Soccer League where they are struggling in the relegation zone.

Interestingly, SuperSport’s form has been different when it comes to the continental football. While Gor Mahia were relegated to the Confederations Cup after falling 1-0 on aggregate to Tunisian side Esperance, the South Africans sailed through with a 2-1 victory over Angola’s Petro de Luanda.

Aware of what is lying ahead of them, Gor coach Dylan Kerr has urged his players to throw their hearts on the pitch in Machakos.

“It is a massive game because we are once again carrying the whole of Kenyan football and sports on our shoulders. We got a massive task ahead of us,” said Kerr.

“Even though SuperSport are doing indifferently in their league this year they have got something to prove. Remember, they had a final place in the Confederations Cup last year.

“I have told my players they have a responsibility to go out there and give everything for themselves, families and all Kenyans.

“It is also a showcasing opportunity for the players.

“If they want to move to bigger, brighter and better teams this is game for them to grab the show. If they do it together, things will happen.”