Will Mathare spoil Gor coronation party today?

Gor Mahia FC's Francis Kahata drible ball past Samuel Olwande of Mathare United FC during their KPL Match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County on Sunday April 29, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Zapata-less AFC face Ulinzi as Vihiga, Posta, Nakumatt, Chemelil fight to avoid play-offs.

For the second year in a row, Gor Mahia will hold their SportPesa Premier League champions’ coronation ceremony as they host Mathare United at Moi Stadium, Kisumu today at 2pm.

Though the record Kenyan champions won their historic 17th title with six matches to spare, going by their recent horrendous run of form, Mathare might spoil their party.

K’Ogalo have lost their last three league matches (Thika United, Ulinzi Stars and Vihiga United) since their CAF Confederations Cup Group stage elimination in Algeria.

“The players know the have to do the job for me and the fans tomorrow (Sunday). They owe me big time, they have let me down in the last five games. All the salary issues have been sorted out. So, it is time for them to show the right attitude and desire, to be crowned in style,” Gor coach Dylan Kerr told Standard Sports.

But while troubled Gor will be aiming to put smiles back on fans’ faces, their rivals, limping AFC Leopards will be without their reportedly suspended coach Rodolfo Zapata as they collide with Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru.

Just like Gor, Leopards’ players have been on a go slow due to unpaid bonuses with their recent 4-0 league match defeat against Tusker and 1-0 FKF Shield semifinal loss to Sofapaka forcing the management to suspend the Argentine, barely five months after hiring him.

“We do owe win bonuses but the office is working round the clock to ensure we settle the same. I therefore would like to refute claims that the players have any salary arrears. We have been meeting the players,” he said.