Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has challenged his players to raise their performance levels, sharpen their attacking play and fight for starting places as they prepare to face Bandari in a SportPesa League showdown at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.
K’Ogalo have had a strong start to the campaign, beating Murang’a Seal 4-2 before edging APS Bomet 1-0. However, Akonnor wants his side to maintain their intensity and improve their finishing as they target a third consecutive victory in pursuit of a record-extending 23rd league title.
The Ghanaian tactician warned his players that no one is guaranteed a place in the starting line-up, insisting that performances in training will determine selection.
“If you sleep or don't perform well, then you're out of the squad,” Akonnor said.
Gor face a Bandari side that has proved difficult to beat, with their last two league meetings ending in draws. Saturday’s encounter kicks off at 7pm, with the champions hoping to maintain their winning momentum.
Akonnor said his technical bench has studied the dockers and they are prepared to counter their approach.
“We saw them in their earlier match, so we have the whole idea of how they play and how we will tackle them,” he said.
Gor were made to work hard for their victory over APS Bomet, with the match seemingly headed for a draw before Alpha Onyango struck in the 86th minute, with Ben Stanley Omondi providing the decisive pass.
Akonnor praised the moment of quality that settled a tightly contested match, admitting that his side had struggled to find a breakthrough.
“The game was so tight and it looked like it was going for a draw, but there was a moment of magic,” he said.
Against Bandari, Gor will be keen to create more clear-cut chances and improve their finishing to avoid another tense finish. The champions will also need to remain defensively disciplined.
Akonnor’s demand for greater competition within the squad comes as Gor seek consistency early in the season. With several players competing for places, the coach believes maintaining high standards in training will be crucial to keeping the team performing at its best.
Onyango has urged his teammates to remain focused and avoid complacency despite their positive start.
“We have to keep working hard and remain focused,” he said.
The midfielder said taking their chances will be crucial against a Bandari side capable of frustrating the champions.
“We know every match is difficult, so we must take our chances and fight for the three points,” he said.
A third straight victory would strengthen Gor’s early-season momentum, but Akonnor will expect his players to combine attacking efficiency with discipline if they are to overcome the visitors.
