GUTSY TAXMEN ON GOR’S CASE AGAIN: K’Ogalo draw stubborn Ushuru as KPL Top 8 Knockout tourney returns
Football
By
Gilbert Wandera
| Apr 13, 2016
Gor Mahia coach Jose Marcelo has been handed another opportunity to overcome Ushuru after the two teams were drawn together in the first quarter-final match of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top-8 tournament.
The two sides fought to a barren draw in Sunday’s KPL match at Nyayo Stadium in a tie the Brazillian insists they should have won.
“We lost a penalty, but that was not the only thing. We had many chances like six or seven which we should have easily converted in that match but we did not,” he said of Sunday’s fixture.
He added: “Now that we have been drawn against them in the Top-8 tournament, it gives us a chance to score goals and win it considering that it is a knockout and you only have one opportunity. They are a tough team and we will work hard to overcome them.”
Gor Mahia’s arch-rivals AFC Leopards have drawn Ulinzi Stars, who were runners-up last season.
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Ulinzi Stars goalkeeper trainer Francis Onyiso speaking on the draw said they are motivated to be playing Leopards and believes that failure to win silverware last season will be a big motivation for them.
“We have a good team this year and despite losing to Rangers on Sunday, we still have a good chance to do well this season. Furthermore, the fact that we have not won a trophy in more than two years will be a great motivation for us. It will push us to do well,” he said.
The tournament kicks off with the quarter finals on May 1 and 2 and will be followed by the semi-finals one week later.
This year’s final will be played in Mombasa for the first time since the tournament started six years ago.
However, this will only be the case if the final does not pit AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia as the two teams can only play in Nairobi.
The winner of the tournament will pocket Sh1million.
Nairobi City Stars chairman Peter Jabuya said he was delighted that the tournament has continued to raise the profile of the KPL.
“The KPL Top 8 tournament has raised the level of competition because every year teams keep fighting to finish at this level. It is worth noting that only four teams have taken part in the competition since it was started six years ago.
“I am delighted that the tournament has maintained its tradition of taking football outside Nairobi and that is why we are having the final in Mombasa this year,” he said.