Shakava expects a tougher Ingwe in the Cup final

Gor Mahia captain Haron Shakava is wary of the opposition posed by their eternal rivals AFC Leopards in the FKF Cup final, set for July 4.

Shakava, who returned to KÓgalo this season after playing for Zambia’s Nkana for over a season says Leopards are more stable this season, having cruised to the Cup final and also contending for the Premier League title.

Coincidentally, Gor and Leopards are currently tied at 37 points in the league at number three, although the former have recently enjoyed top form winning all the matches since the resumption in May after Covid-19 break.

“This will be very tough for both teams. Both teams are eyeing a continental slot hence, so there is a reason to fight more. They are a good opposition and we can’t underrate them just because of the superior record we have against them,’’ explained Shakava.

Gor qualified for the final after a penalty shootout against Thika based Bidco United while Leopards eliminated Equity, also through post match penalties.

The last time Leopards made it to the CAF Confederations arena was in 2018, and were eliminated in the preliminary round by Madagascar’s FOSA Juniors on away goal rule.

On the contrary, Gor have been regulars at the continental level both playing at the CAF Champions League and the Confederations Cup level consecutively since 2017.

However, Gor’s charge to the Champions League slot this season is proving to be a challenge with the June 30 factor, as KCB and Tusker are still ahead in the Premier League with only two rounds remaining to make the difference.

CAF has set June 30 as the deadline for member associations to submit clubs that will represent them in the Champions League next season, hence the leading team by then will earn the coveted slot.

‘’The League is equally tough and even yesterday’s (Sunday) match against Sofapaka was so hard. I can’t predict what will happen in our remaining matches. Teams are cautious whenever they meet us,’’ averred the towering Shakava.

Thus, Gor’s destiny is not in their hands as far as the Champions League is concerned, and will pray that Tusker and KCB loses to revive their chance.

“We don’t want to concentrate on what our competitors will do, we are fully focused in our fixtures. We do our job then we see what happens,” underlined Shakava.

Gor Mahia next play Wazito on Wednesday at the Thika Municipal Stadium.