Gor Mahia keen to reclaim top spot

Jacobs Faina of Sofapaka in action during the Sportpesa Premier League match against Gor Mahia at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on February 17,2019.Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard

Zoo seek redemption as they host Mathare United at Green Stadium.

Defending champions Gor Mahia long to return to the top of Kenyan Premier League (KPL) log when they host 2009 winners Sofapaka at Moi Stadium in Kisumu today in one of the two rescheduled matches.

Gor Mahia dropped out of the helm of the standings on January 8 and has since been fighting to reclaim the top spot, which they closed in after Tusker drew 1-1 against Ulinzi.

Coming from their dominant 3-0 win over Bandari, Gor Mahia head coach Steven Polack believes it is time they take charge of the league summit with a win over Sofapaka.

K’Ogalo trail leaders Kakamega Homeboyz by a point, lying second with 38 points same as Tusker but with a superior goal difference and two games in hand.

Polack said his players are in tip top form and it’s for this reason that they boast of a superior goal scoring record as they bank on seven goals in two matches.

 “I am glad they are scoring goals. The mid field and the striking force are coordinating well. That is what matters most for us now. We score, defend well and then we improve on our league position.”

“The players fought well and played as a team during last weekend’s match against Bandari and I would love to see that kind of spirit continue until the season ends. That is what is important for me now,” he said.

Polack called on his players to remain focused, insisting their main aim is to keep winning their matches and not defending the title.

He said there is long way to go and a lot of work to be done before they can start thinking of defending the title.

“We have 17 games to play before the season ends and so I don’t want the titlholders tag to affect my players. We fight until the last match,” he said.

Sofapaka head into the match on the backdrop of a disappointing 1-1 draw agianst bottom placed Chemelil Sugar in what coach John Baraza believes they can pull a fast one on the record Kenyan champions.

Batoto ba Mungu have been inconsistent in their past five matches after posting mixed results and Baraza has called for a fresh start against Gor.

“We have been registering mixed results but I am happy with our last two matches despite the draw against Chemelil. We are going to use that and try and stop the champions,” he said.

In Kericho, Zoo Kericho will be seeking to end their five match winless streak when they host Mathare United at Green Stadium.

Meanwhile former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba will join other former players in a charity football match to raise money for the Australian bushfire appeal.

Former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke and ex-Liverpool striker Emile Heskey are among others set to play.

The FootballForFires match will take place at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Saturday, 23 May.

Football Federation Australia chief James Johnson said the game promised “to be a unique and memorable event”.

Former Juventus striker David Trezeguet, ex-Manchester United midfielder Ji-sung Park and former Sunderland and Leeds striker Michael Bridges are other names confirmed.