Gor coach hails depth of squad ahead of match

Gor Mahia Coach Jose Marcelo in a deep thought with his striker Jacques Tuyisenge during their KPL match against Sofapaka at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 25/09/16.They draw 0-0.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Gor Mahia coach Jose Marcelo has praised the depth of his players ahead of tomorrow’s Kenyan Premier League match against Zoo Kericho in Kisumu.

Having beaten KPL Champions Tusker 1-0 to lift the Super Cup before thumping newcomers Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 in their season opener in Thika, the Brazilian believes he has a strong team to challenge on all fronts (KPL, GOtv and Top 8).

Although Marcello is facing a selection headache, he is pleased to have a chance to rotate his squad using different formations as they seek to reclaim the domestic title they lost to Tusker last year.

“With the quality of players I have, we can deploy any system like the 3-5-2 formation we used against Sharks or the 4-3-2-1 system. I have many solutions for my team this season. It is definitely going to be difficult to select the players. But I am happy because every coach wants to be in such a situation as players will give more than 100 per cent,”said Marcelo.

“For instance in the midfield, we have Okoth (Collins), Wendo (Ernest), Baptiste (Jean) and Ochieng (Philemon). We have a lot of players in that position.

“When you have players like Baptiste and Muguna (Kenneth) with strong personality and good quality they can make a difference on the pitch just like they did last weekend.”

Reflecting on last weekend’s victory over Sharks, Marcello said: “That victory was very important to me. When these small teams come to play against us, they give 200 per cent and not 100 per cent. I am happy for my players for what they did against Sharks.

“They were serious and played very hard like a big team. You remember last year when I came to Gor Mahia they drew the first four matches and lost one. But this is a different team altogether ready to fight for all the trophies.