Gor Mahia assistant captain Mike Kibwage/HANDOUT Gor Mahia vice-captain Mike Kibwage has called for focus and discipline as the Kenyan champions prepare to face Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The encounter comes at a difficult time for K’Ogalo, who are dealing with a growing injury list that includes newly appointed captain Sylvester Owino. The central defender suffered a severe right calf sprain and is expected to be sidelined for two months.
Owino’s absence has increased the leadership responsibilities for Kibwage, who has stepped up as the active leader on the pitch.
“We have a very good squad which is capable of dominating, and soon we will get our rhythm. We assure our supporters that they will have something to smile about soon,” Kibwage said.
The defender has urged his teammates to put recent disappointments behind them, including the 3-1 defeat by Tusker in the FKF Super Cup, and concentrate on the continental challenge.
Coach Charles Akonnor, meanwhile, admits the injury situation has made preparations more difficult and reduced his options ahead of the encounter.
“We have some challenges with the squad because of the injuries, and this has made the selection a little difficult,” Akonnor said.
Gor can take encouragement from their recent CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign in Rwanda, where they reached the final before losing to Sudanese side Al-Hilal. The tournament gave Akonnor a chance to assess different combinations and work on the players' understanding.
For Kibwage, the experience has also helped strengthen the bond within the squad and provided lessons that could prove valuable against Pyramids.
“The squad is together. We know what is at stake, and we are mentally prepared to fight for the badge,” he said.
Akonnor views the Kagame Cup as an important part of the team's preparations, particularly given the demands of continental football.
“We used the Kagame Cup to work on some configurations and build the chemistry of the team,” he said.
Pyramids, coached by South African Rulani Mokwena, will provide a stern test for the Kenyan champions. The Egyptian side is expected to arrive in Nairobi on Thursday, three days before the first leg.
Gor will have to remain compact and avoid defensive lapses against opponents with considerable continental experience. Kibwage believes strict adherence to the coach’s instructions will be crucial.
“Against a team like Pyramids, we have to follow the coach's instructions and remain concentrated from the first minute to the last,” Kibwage said.
Akonnor has similarly stressed the need for concentration, tactical organisation and physical readiness as his charges prepare for the high-profile fixture.
“We have to be tactically organised, physically ready and mentally prepared because these are the kind of matches where you need to be fully focused,” Akonnor said.
Gor have submitted a 29-man squad to CAF for their continental campaign. The list includes retained players Shariff Musa and Paul Ochuoga, while new signings Humphrey Katasi, Michael Onyango and Daniel Sakari have also been included.
The additions provide Akonnor with more options despite the injury concerns, although he still faces the task of selecting a combination capable of coping with Pyramids.
“We have quality in this squad, and whoever gets the opportunity must be ready to give everything for the team,” Kibwage said.
The coach expects the new arrivals to increase competition for places while providing cover for the unavailable players. “We have players who can step in, and that is important because we need everyone to be ready for a match of this magnitude,” Akonnor said.
The first leg will kick off at 3pm at Nyayo Stadium, with the return match scheduled for Cairo on September 13. For Gor, the immediate task is to make home advantage count before travelling to Egypt. The players are aware of the responsibility that comes with representing the club in continental competition, according to Kibwage.
“We know it will not be easy, but we believe in ourselves, and we want to give our supporters something to smile about,” he said.
Akonnor is equally conscious of the quality Pyramids possess but does not want his players to approach the match with fear. “We respect Pyramids, but we are not going into the match afraid. We have prepared well and we will fight for a positive result,” Akonnor said.
