Relentless Gor face Chemelil in Nakuru

Chemelil Sugar defender Yusuf Juma dribbles the ball past his Gor Mahia counterpart Innocent Wafula during a SportPesa Premier League match on September 14 2017 at Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu [Photo: courtesy]

It is a season that Gor Mahia will never forget. And there can be no other sweeter feeling for K’Ogalo as they inch closer to unprecedented 17th SportPesa Premier League title.

With 62 points, the record Kenyan champions are just three matches away from successfully retaining the title depending on the results of their closest rivals; Bandari (48) and AFC Leopards (45).

And as they lock horns with relegation threatened Chemelil Sugar at Afraha Stadium today, coach Dylan Kerr has urged his players to approach each of their upcoming three matches, including next Saturday’s Mashemeji derby, like a final.

“We are going into this match (Chemelil) with the mentality of getting all the maximum points to go ‘three’ points clear of the chasing pack and not seventeen points,” Kerr told Standard Sports.

“Hopefully, if we win today, we will be aiming to go ‘six’ points clear to set up the mother of all derbies next weekend. But at the moment, our focus is on Chemelil match then the Confederations Cup match.”

Though Gor Mahia have tried to reduce their fixture pile up, the Briton admitted the congestion has taken its toll on his relentless players.

To ensure the team goes into the crucial Sunday home Confederations Cup Group D match against Rayon Sports refreshed and energised, Kerr will field a different squad from the one that thrashed Kakamega Homeboyz 3-1 in Kisumu four days ago.

“The players are visibly exhausted, but I am happy they are pushing on. They risk from playing badly and getting injuries, but their fighting spirit and commitment is close to none. It will be a totally different team but I believe we will do well,” said Kerr.

“It’s not easy to get the balance right, but every player who gets a chance knows what I expect from him. If we get three points today, we will be technically a match or so away from retaining the title.”

Elsewhere, Kenyan international Noah Wafula has joined Ugandan Premier League champions Vipers SC on a three-year deal from Kakamega Homeboyz.

The former AFC Leopards and Tusker winger was unveiled on Tuesday at Javier Martinez’s side until 2021.

“It is a great feeling to have joined one of the best clubs in the region. I am looking forward to help them continue winning trophies,” said Wafula.