Gor’s Polack down-plays title race talk before Sofapaka tie

Gor Mahia Coach Steven Polack against USM Alger during their CAF Confederation Cup match at Kasarani on Sunday 29/09/19. [Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Gor Mahia coach Steve Polack has a down-played talk on Kenyan Premier League title race ahead of today’s crunch match against Sofapaka in Narok.

The 4.15 pm encounter will be preceded by an early kick-off between the struggling Wazito and Western Stima.

There will be a minute’s silence before kick-offs in all Kenyan Premier League, National Super League and Division One League match this weekend to honour the late President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, who passed away on Tuesday.

Though K’Ogalo appears to be on course for their 19th record league title after opening a four-point lead at the summit with last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Nzoia Sugar, Polack has refused to get carried away with his side’s title chase talk.

Gor has defied their off-the-pitch issues to garner 44 points from 18 fixtures, putting them in pole position to claim their fourth consecutive title.

But the Briton believes facing Sofapaka in less than two weeks after beating them 2-1 in Kisumu will be an ultimate test to his players’ character and bravery.

“Our rivals might be dropping points, but we can’t start dreaming about the title right now. We have 14 games left, that’s 42 points on offer. There is still a lot of points to be fought for. But expect some nervous moments during the final stages of the season," Polack said.

“We are taking one game at a time starting with the Sofapaka game. This is going to be a totally different game from the one we played in Kisumu. Two games can never the same. Winning the last game doesn’t guarantee you the same result in the game.

He added: “Honestly, we don’t know what to expect against them. They have changed players and their approach will definitely be different. We just need to stay focused on our game and try our best to get positive results.

While Gor will be seeking to extend their lead, their title rivals Kakamega Homeboyz will be out to bounce back to winning ways against hosts Bandari in Mombasa.

The highlight of the weekend is tomorrow’s clash in Nakuru between two in-form teams, AFC Leopards (34) and fourth-placed Tusker (38).

After ending Ulinzi Stars’ 16-game unbeaten run last weekend, Ingwe will be out to do the same against Robert Matano’s men who have not lost their last 12 matches.

Commenting on Tusker fixture, the AFC Leopards interim coach Anthony Kimani said: “It is always difficult playing against Tusker and tomorrow’s game is not an exception. Both teams are in a fine form, so expect a tough but exciting game.

“All the same, I have trust in my players and we know what our targets are this season. We will give our best. We will approach it differently from the Ulinzi game.”