Leaders Mathare United face champs Gor Mahia

Left winger Kevin Kimani of Mathare United FC drible against Chemelil FC during KPL match at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday Dec 8, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay is excited about the signing of Dennis Oliech and and believes the player will help the champions turn around what has been a slow start to the season.

Oliech signed a two-year contract with the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions on Wednesday and could be available for tomorrow’s match against Mathare United at Kasarani.

“This is a very important signing for us. He is someone with European experience and I expect him to help us by scoring goals as well as inspire the younger strikers. When needed, he should also be able to carry the team.

“The fitness is not fully there yet but his experience is awesome and he will get there,” said the coach.

Regarding tomorrow’s match, Oktay said he has not watched their opponents but expects a tough match.

“I have not watched them yet, but from what I hear, they are a very good team and the fact that they are top of the table proves it. It is going to be tough but we are confident that Wednesday’s win against Chemelil Sugar will inspire us.

“We have actually been playing well, but not taking our chances. We have worked on that.”

Gor Mahia’s attack will be led by Jacques Tuyisenge and Ephraim Guikan who both have not been so impressive this season but will be hoping to hit back.

Gor Mahia Coach Hassan Oktay(R) instruct his striker Jacques Tuyisenge against Lobi Stars of Nigeria during their CAF confederation qualifier match at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday 16/12/18[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Mathare United have built a two point lead at the top of the summit after stopping KCB 2-1 in midweek tie, something that has really inspired them going into Sunday’s match.

The slum boys are also inspired by the fact that they have not lost to Gor Mahia in the last two seasons.  In 2017, Mathare United won both legs by identical 1-0 scores and last year, the two fixtures ended in a 2-2 draw.

Gor Mahia will have to be wary of free scoring Cliff  Nyakeya and Clifford Alwanga both of whom have had a good start to the season.

Today, resurgent Tusker take on Sofapaka at Machakos Stadium in the only league of the day.

Tusker have won their last three matches to stay in touch with the title contenders and victory over Sofapaka will be a big boost. It is a familiar match for Tusker coach Robert Matano who has previously been at the helm at Sofapaka whom he helped win the league title in 2009.

But since then a lot has changed and being one of the top matches in the local calendar could go either way.

In terms of confidence, flip-flopping Sofapaka are in need in plenty after a series of poor results.

Elsewhere, struggling KCB have suspended team officials Ezekiel Akwana and Elvis Ayany ahead of tomorrow’s match against Kariobangi Sharks.

Despite huge investment the bankers have nothing to show for it. A loss to Sharks may as well end the reign of coach Frank Ouna.