Gor Mahia eye return to league summit

Gor Mahia FC's Kenneth Muguna and Dennis Odhiambo (left) of KCB during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on Sunday, Sept 22, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia will be seeking to reclaim top spot in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) when they face second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega today.

K’Ogalo slipped to third in the standings after missing in action during the mid-week matches and Gor captain Kenneth Muguna is keen on a return to the top as they trail leaders Tusker by two points but with three games in hand.

Muguna said they have prepared for a tactical battle against Homeboyz who have proven hard to beat at their home ground.

“We know the importance of winning in Kakamega considering Tusker’s recent surge. We can’t drop points now and we are ready for maximum points,” he said.

Coach Steven Polack echoed Muguna’s sentiments.

“The boys have been playing well since our disappointing loss to Mathare United last year and we are keen on maintaining the winning mentality.

"We know we have the upper hand in the league race with our three games in hand and we want to take advantage of that,” Polack said.

Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna celebrates with Lawrence Juma in a past KPL match. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Homeboyz tactician Nicholas Muyoti is happy with the form his side had exhibited in the league so far. They are on a six-match winning streak.

Despite suffering their last loss to K’Ogalo, Muyoti is confident of stopping the champions with his striker Allan Wanga currently in form.

“We have been playing very well in the past six games and I believe we can upset the champions if we play according to plan. All we need is to be clinical and also defend well,” he said.

In Mombasa, Tusker will be keen to maintain their lead at the top of the table when they visit wounded Bandari at Mbaraki. Their coach Robert Matano is optimistic about a win.

“The team is flying high with the recent form playing a key role in motivating the players week after week. We face a tricky and unpredictable Bandari side but the boys are ready,” said the former AFC Leopards coach.

In Kisumu, relegation-threatened Kisumu All-Stars will be keen to end their poor run when they host Posta Rangers with new coach Arthur Opiyo chasing his first win.

At the same time, bottom side Chemelil Sugar who bagged their first win of the season in midweek will host KCB with an aim of turning around their misfortunes as Western Stima travel to Nakuru to play Ulinzi.