Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor is banking on his squad depth and players’ self-belief to maintain their perfect start to the SportPesa League season when they face KCB at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
The defending champions will take on the bankers at 4 pm, as Akonnor expects another tough test with the race for early-season points gathering pace. “We believe in ourselves, and we understand what to do in the situations we face. That is what has kept us going,” Akonnor said.
Gor go into the match after beating Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 at Bukhungu Stadium on Wednesday. David Okoth scored the decisive goal to give the champions their fourth consecutive league win and take their points tally to 12.
KCB also won on Wednesday, edging Mombasa United 1-0 at Police Sacco Ground. The Bankers have four points from their opening three matches, having drawn 2-2 with Nairobi United earlier in the campaign.
Akonnor is expected to rely on competition for places as he manages his squad through a demanding run of fixtures. His preferred 4-2-3-1 system allows Gor to control possession through midfield while using their wide players to stretch opposing defences. “We want to give everyone a chance, especially those who are doing well in training,” Akonnor said.
The coach has received a boost as captain Sylvester Owino returns from a calf injury and midfielder Lawrence Juma recovers from an arm problem.
However, defender Portipher Odhiambo is a concern after suffering a head injury against Homeboyz. Striker Felix Oluoch has returned to training following knee surgery but still needs time to regain full fitness.
“We are fortunate that there are not many injuries, except for our captain. Oluoch is also back in training and is getting back. In a few weeks, he will be fully fit,” Akonnor said in an earlier injury update.
KCB coach Robert Matano, meanwhile, knows his side must improve if they are to trouble the champions. Despite beating Mombasa United, he was unhappy with his team’s display, particularly the missed scoring chances. “We have to improve our game before we meet Gor Mahia,” Matano said.
The bankers are expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, switching to a 4-3-3 when attacking. Their approach will focus on quick counter-attacks, with James Maruti expected to play an important role in disrupting Gor’s midfield.
Matano has also expressed concern about player fatigue caused by the congested fixture schedule. Apollo Otieno’s return to training offers a midfield boost, although Dennis Grey remains sidelined. “We are playing every three or four days, and that is not easy for the players. We have to manage their fitness,” Matano said.
“We created chances in our last match but did not finish them well enough. Against Gor, we must be more clinical,” he added.
History favours Gor, who have won 15 of their 29 previous meetings with KCB, compared with six victories for the bankers and eight draws. Gor have scored 42 goals against KCB’s 26 and have kept clean sheets in their last four encounters, winning three and drawing one.
Their most recent meeting in February ended 3-0 in favour of Gor Mahia. Akonnor’s men will seek to extend that record, while Matano’s side will be eager to upset the champions and strengthen their position in the early title race.
