Western Stima seek redemption against champs Gor Mahia

Western Stima's Junior Mukisa (right) tussles for the ball against Stephen Waruru of Bidco United. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Western Stima will be seeking to bounce back to winning ways when they host defending champions Gor Mahia on Monday (today) at Moi Stadium in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF)Premier League match.

Speaking to Standard Sports, Stima head coach Paul Ogai said he is confident of collecting maximum points after posting mixed results in their last three matches.

The power men have failed to win in their last three matches, losing 2-1 to Kariobangi Sharks, 2-0 to Bandari and drawing 1-1 with Nzoia Sugar but Ogai remains positive ahead of the tie.

“We have endured a tough three weeks where we have posted mixed results but I am confident we can win today. We know it won’t be easy especially considering Gor’s depth and talent but I believe if we play our cards right the way we have planned in training we can win,’ he said.

“In football anything can happen and I trust in my players. If we can show the character we had when we played and won against AFC Leopards then nothing cans stop us from collecting maximum points,” the former Coast Stima coach added.

Western Stima are currently in the relegation zone, ranked 16th in the premier league table with five points after registering only one win in their seven matches played.

Gor Mahia's Konfor Bertrand (left) and John Kago of Ulinzi FC during the FKF-PL match at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, Dec 12, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Stima’s only win came against AFC Leopard last year in December and a win today will guarantee them a place above the relegation zone.

On the other hand, champions Gor Mahia landed in Kisumu early in the morning as they eye a second consecutive win in the league.

This will be the second game for new head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto as he looks to bag maximum points to roll with a perfect start at the helm.

Gor are currently three-place above Stima in the log, placed 13th with six points after winning two of their four matches played.

K’Ogalo who have three games in hand have lost against Tusker and Kariobangi Sharks but will be seeking to get their title campaign underway with victory in Kisumu.

In their last five matches, Gor has not lost to Stima, winning two and drawing three in the past three seasons.

The match will kick-off at 3 pm.