Record champions in the FKF Premier League, Gor Mahia, are set to challenge a beleaguered Posta Rangers side in an important encounter at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi this Saturday. With a view to narrowing the gap on league leaders Kenya Police, Gor Mahia look to spark a resurgence in their campaign after a mixed start to the season. The champions currently sit in third place with 28 points, trailing Kenya Police by eight points but enjoying a game in hand over the leaders.
Since taking charge in late November, manager Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has instilled a new approach in the team. Under his stewardship, the squad has registered five victories in the 10 matches he has overseen. The change in coaching personnel, following the dismissal of Brazilian coach Leo Neiva, has injected fresh energy into the side as they prepare to face Posta Rangers, who are desperate to avoid relegation. Despite a recent 2-1 win against FC Talanta, Posta Rangers remain at the bottom of the table. Interim coach Collins Omondi “Korea” has seen limited success since taking over, managing to secure two wins in four games during January.
Key players remain a central point of focus ahead of the match. Gor Mahia hope that Austin Odhiambo will recover sufficiently after picking up an injury in their 2-1 defeat to Tusker two weeks ago. Although he missed the draw against Kakamega Homeboyz in Mumias, there is optimism that he may be available to bolster the lineup. Meanwhile, coach Zico had experimented with a reshuffled formation in the previous match by resting notable players such as Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija, but indications suggest these players might be back in action against Rangers.
Elsewhere, in Mumias, Kakamega Homeboyz will host Mara Sugar in another intriguing tie. The Homeboyz are riding on positive momentum after their previous encounter with Gor Mahia, which ended in a goalless draw marred by controversy following the disallowed goal by Moses Shumah. Mara Sugar, who have slipped in form after an impressive start to the season, currently occupy the 12th spot in the league standings. They trail Kakamega Homeboyz by a point—a gap they are eager to close in their upcoming match.
Injury concerns continue to feature in team preparations. Kakamega Homeboyz will be without assistant captain Brian Eshihanda, who sustained a deep cut above his left eye in the previous match against Gor Mahia. Despite the setback, Eshihanda played a crucial role in both defensive duties and leadership on the field. On a positive note, Homeboyz have received a boost with the return of Peter Thiong’o, who is currently working on regaining full fitness after a period out injured. Although he will not immediately join the starting lineup, his return bodes well for the squad’s future prospects.
In another relegation battle, FC Talanta are set to host Mathare United in Machakos. Both teams are engaged in a fight for survival, with Mathare sitting in 14th place and Talanta in 15th, though Mathare enjoy the advantage of a game in hand. The fixture promises to be a fiercely contested battle as both sides aim to secure crucial points in the relegation fight.
With so many pivotal clashes on the horizon, fans can expect high-intensity matches and tactical battles. Each team is determined to improve their standings and secure their futures in the fiercely competitive league.
