Gor Mahia, Tusker clash in a potentially-explosive FKF-PL tie

Tusker toppled KCB from the league’s summit following a midweek 1-0 triumph over Bandari, ending the blip after a 2-1 defeat to Shabana at Gusii Stadium last weekend.

The former champions lead the league standings on 30 points, three above the Bankers who are level with Police FC on 27 and six clear of Gor Mahia, who have played three fewer matches.

“We are really prepared and we are doing well as a team. We don't have any injuries at the moment so everybody is available for our game on Sunday. It's going to be a difficult game for us, but that's the situation we are in as a team, and we have to think and prepare, taking that into consideration.”

“You can remember, before our break, we played eight matches in 20 days, which was not easy, but we've rested enough and now I think we can handle Tusker which is and has been always a good team, but again, Gor Mahia is the top team in Kenya, we are the defending champions,” he added.

The reigning champions have been boosted by the return of Alpha Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Ronney Onyango and playmaker Austin Oduor, who were away with Harambee Stars for the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.

Zico has however acknowledged that his charges will be having three tough back-to-back matches but he is hopeful his team has a chance of bagging nine points.

“We are following our plan as scheduled knowing after Tusker we will have two more tough matches against Sofapaka in mid-week and Homeboyz Sunday. So, we are training knowing that we have three matches in a row,” he stated.

“The boys are professionals; they know every match is important. So, for us, we normally try and prepare for matches the same way. But again, we know there are three results in football. We take each and every result with humility.”

Tusker as well have been joined by combative midfielder Chrispine Erambo and red-hot Ryan Wesley Ogam who as well were with Harambee Stars.

The Charles Okere-led side has lost ‘assist-master’ – Shaphan Oyugi Siwa to Tanzanian outfit Kagera Sugar FC while Mike Kibwage stays on the sidelines after a knee injury setback with on-form Thomas Teka Omenda set to fill his void.

Elsewhere, KCB will reclaim their spot if they defeat Nairobi City Stars, who parted ways with their coach Nicholas Muyoti, at Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday.

On Saturday, Kariobangi Sharks will play host to Ulinzi Stars, Kakamega Homeboyz will be at home to Thika -based Bidco United while Mathare United face Mara Sugar away in Awendo.

Bandari FC will aim to get back to winning ways when they host unpredictable Shabana at the Mombasa Sports Club. Bandari are winless in the last five matches.

In-form Kenya Police host Murang’a Seal at Police Sacco Stadium and will be hoping Tusker and KCB to lose their matches with a win taking them to the summit of the league.