Gor Mahia face tricky Bidco test as Nzoia welcome Bandari

Muyonga Khavuchi (L) of Gor Mahia FC contest for ball with Bonface Kweyu of Nzoia Sugar FC during their FKF-Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on November 19, 2022. Gor Mahia FC won 1-0. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will be hoping their club continues with their winning start to the 2022-2023 season when they travel to play Bidco United at Thika Stadium on Saturday as the second round matches of the FKF Premier League.

The record Kenyan champions kicked off the new season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nzoia Sugar last Saturday and they will be hoping to build on the win when they face Bidco who have proven a hard nut to crack in their last three meetings.

The oil refineries have held Gor 1-1 in three consecutive matches since their second meeting in August last year. The 19-time champions have only defeated Bidco once in the four matches they have played, winning 3-1 in March last years.

Speaking to the club's media team ahead of the match, Gor captain Philemon Otieno rallied their fans to turn out in large numbers and support them as they target to reclaim their lost glory this season.

"Our preparations have been good so far...we are looking forward to winning the game today. To our fans, we urge you to turn up in large numbers to offer support," said Otieno.

Gor tactician Jonathan McKinstry added that he is pleased with the team's development programme over the past weeks and he is looking forward to a dominant display against Bidco.

"Recovery has been going so well over the past week and I like what I see in terms of the physical and mental shape of my players," said the Irish born tactician.

"It's sessions like these that coaches dream off and am lucky to say that the development programs we initiated since my arrival are turning out to be good. Now what remains is to put them to action against Bidco."

K'Ogalo will have to warry of Bidco who slayed Simba wa Naiorbi or as formerly known as Nairobi City Stars 2-0.

Other matches on the day will see wounded Nzoia Sugar welcome Bandari in Bungoma as Sofapaka who lost 2-1at Bandari host Posta Rangers at Ruaraka grounds who will be playing their first match of the season.

Saturday's FKF Premier League fixtures

Sofapaka v Posta Rangers-2pm, Ruaraka

Bidco United v Gor Mahia-3pm, Thika Stadium

Nzoia Sugar v Bandari-3pm, Sudi Stadium