Tusker face Gor Mahia in Super Cup action

Gor Mahia's Tito Okello and Sammy Miseh (left) of Tusker during FkF Premier League match, round of Twenty four at Ruaraka grounds. July 8, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Reigning FKF Premier League champions Tusker tackle FKF Cup winners Gor Mahia in a Super Cup tie today from 1pm at the Thika Sub-county Stadium.

The Super Cup is the official curtain raiser for the 20021-2022 season, which kicks off on Saturday.

The two teams will face off by virtue of Tusker winning the Premier League title last season while Gor Mahia won the Shield.

Tusker were crowned champions after topping the 17-team table with 65 points from 32 matches while K’Ogalo won the domestic cup after beating rivals AFC Leopards 4-1 on penalties.

The Brewers have a better chance to add silverware to their impressive year as they have been actively involved since the season ended.

Unlike Gor Mahia, Tusker have been in camp and played two crucial matches in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

The Brewers knocked out Djibouti champions Arta Solar 4-1 on aggregate, drawing the first leg 1-1 before winning the home fixture 3-0.

The win saw them qualify for the first round of the competition where they will face Egyptian giants Zamalek mid-next month.

Furthermore, Tusker head coach Robert Matano has blended in his new signings with Tanzanian import Ibrahim Joshua, former Kakamega Homeboyz striker Shami kibwana and Ugandan striker Deogratius Ojok all making their debut with goals.

Last season, Tusker completed a first Premier League double over K’Ogalo winning 2-1 in both legs.

In the last seven matches, Tusker have won three matches with the other win apart from last season’s coming in 2018.

Gor Mahia on the other hand has also won three matches, but boasts the biggest win in the fixture, a 5-2 drubbing in August 2019.

Both teams will use the fixture to gauge their preparedness ahead of the new season.

Champions Tusker are set to kick off their title defence with a big match against rivals AFC Leopards while Gor Mahia will be at home to runners up KCB.

Meanwhile, Bandari Football Club has set its eyes on the Premier League title after making major signings in pre-season. The club has signed a number of key players who are basking in the glory of getting national team call ups and their mission is to ensure they are also league champions.

“Our goal this new season is winning the title,” Team Manager Albert Ogari said.

“Our first step is to win our opening match against Mathare United on Saturday to prove we have quality for the task ahead,” Ogari said. [Additional reporting by Ernest Ndunda]