Kisumu Moi Stadium to host GOtv Shield matches as KPL takes a break

Kisumu’s Moi Stadium will host top flight football for the first time in more than a decade. The stadium will host GOtv Shield matches which take centre stage as the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) takes a break.

The stadium has been upgraded at a cost of more than Sh50 million with world governing body Fifa donating an astro-turf surface.

It becomes the second stadium in Kenya to have an artificial turf after Nairobi City Stadium got one prior to the 2010 World Cup.

Kisumu football fans are in for a treat this weekend and could not have wished for a bigger match as last year’s GOtv Shield runners-up Gor Mahia take on Nationwide league side GFE 105 today.

Gor, who are also the KPL champions are in sight for a double going by their performance despite being plagued by many challenges.

The KPL champions are on top of the log with an impressive 37 points in a season they have lost key players and a lucrative shirt sponsorship deal from Tuzo.

Rather than complain or focus on the challenges facing him, Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson has taken everything in his stride and is expected to use tomorrow’s match as an opportunity to test his new signings as well as give fringe players a chance to be in the first team.

With number one goalkeeper Jerim Onyango away with the national team Harambee Stars in Lesotho, David Juma is expected to start.

Upfront John Kariuki, Simon Mburu and Simon Pierre, who have all been impressive in recent matches, are sure to start.

Their opponents, GFE, have little at stake, if only the prospect of bringing down KPL champions.

Nairobi City Stars will host Wazito at Hope Center.

The Kawangware-based side have not had an impressive performance in the league front and will be looking to make up for it in the Shield competition.

The team have lost key players, among them Ugandan forward Jimmy Bagaye.

But assistant coach Robinson Ndubuisi Ofwoku, who made a comeback to the team, is unfazed by the loss and says they have enough manpower to still do well.

Nakuru-based Ulinzi Stars will be the other KPL side in GOtv action today when they play away to Tala Nationale.

FIXTURES: Saturday: Nairobi City Stars v Tala Wazito (Ruaraka), Top Fry v Inter-City (Afraha), Gor Mahia v GFE 105 (Moi Stadium), Tala Nationale v Ulinzi Stars (Ruaraka).

Sunday: Ligi Ndogo v Kericho Zoo (Ruaraka), FC Talanta v Administration Police (Ruaraka), Nyakach United v Muhoroni Youth (Moi Stadium) and Sofapaka v Hot Springs (Machakos).