Gor Mahia kick off 2018 campaign this weekend
Defending champions Gor Mahia will take on Nakumatt this Saturday February 3 at Machakos in their opening match of the 2018 KPL season. The 2018 season promises to be a tough one. Last season Gor Mahia won at a canter. In response, other teams have sought to strengthen their sides in order to compete with Kogalo. Most notably Sofapaka who have signed Kenyan international Kevin Kimani as well as Stephen Waruru, Ian Otieno, Kepha Aswani and Ibrahim Kitawi. Arch rivals AFC Leopards were also busy in the transfer season, signing two Ghanaians, a Nigerian and a Ugandan.
But Gor Mahia are confident, having started the season on a sound note by beating Ingwe in the Super cup. And coach Dylan Kerr is happy with the new signings who include the returning Kevin Omondi, Humphrey Mieno, Samuel Onyango and Ivorian Ephrem Guikan.
Sunday’s opponents Nakumatt, also strengthened their side by signing experienced players Noah Abich, Timonah Wanyonyi and Lucas Indeche.
Last season, Kogalo won both matches against Nakumatt, winning 2-0 and 1-0. A win against Nakumatt will put Gor Mahia in a confident position ahead of the CAF champions league match which will happen the following weekend.
Match Details
Kickoff: 3pm Saturday February 3
Venue: Machakos
Correction admin…it’s Saturday 3rd February…not Sunday 3rd February
Sunday or Saturday?
We must sort out our defensive partnership at the center. The coach must choose between Joachim, Momanyi and Joash who to partner the captain (Shakes Shakava) I do not train with these players but we must admit that Joash is an accident waiting to happen. Please give either Joachim or Momanyi a chance to cement a place at the center. You can also draft Wellington at the center since we have cover at the full back position. We can only suggest based on our observations but the coach has the final say on who to play. I look forward to a very successful year where we shall get into the Group stages of either the Champions League or the Confederation Cup. We must also defend our league title and bring back the Cup (Moi Golden Cup)
Wellington playing at the centre would be tricky because he is the only one capable of playing as a right fullback. Wafula was the other option but he was missing from the team list released by the club for domestic duties this season and was absent in Nakuru during the KCCA friendly where all Gor players were present including those who did not play. My own choice would be Momanyi because even Joachim is as erratic. I have watched him play two matches in the Gor Mahia jersey i.e. The 2-2 draw with Ulinzi in Kisumu and the KCCA friendly(in fact those are the only matches he has played for Gor) and I can tell you he does not inspire my confidence. The fact that Kerr started Momanyi in the KCCA match then relegated him to the bench in the Super Cup may mean he has not decided who is going to partner Shakes. During the window, i had wished for Maurice Ojwang from W.Stima, a very confident defender in the mould of Calabar but my wish did not come true. Let’s hope the TB decides te best way possible
Just seen the updated list released today and Wafula is there jersey 14. A big relief as it would be such a pity to see such a talented and versatile player leave
I asked and re-asked and asked again on central defence option,benard ochieng of Vihiga was not willing so choice was btn Momanyi and Ojwang Maurice wherein many bloggers here rooted for Momanyi whom i myself admitted to know little of as i had not been keenly watching him.I remain to see him prove himself in the field of play but shud it remain that we shud have instead gone for Maurice Ojwang then Jasego onge makosa
all this is wishful thinking without sponsorship and a solid financial partner… a win this weekend will pile pressure on EC to pay winning bonuses which have not been forthcoming and the rumours is that players have NOT been paid since December ..strike is looming !
jakoyo even a peniless beggar is allowed to dream of owning a private island!!!!
@Jakoyo, please stop posting unfounded rumours.
@musymo, ultmately even that peniless beggar will eventually cut his coat according to his cloth. we have 2-3 weeks to do that ! thats the painful truth.
Jakoyo, kindly let us know who these 3 strangers are: What positions do they play and if they have any previous attachment to any club in KPL! 28. Raphael Asudi. 32. Eliu Lokuwam 33. Stephen Otieno
@LePastre, Eliud Lokuwam is a student of Kenyatta university and still plays for the KU team, he is a utility player. He is likely to be another maqbul
Steven Okiro is another alumni of Kenyatta university and played for the KU team in 2016. He is a midfielder. He is likely to be another jeconiah.
Both OKiro and Eliud were part of the KU team that defended the men’s football team in the 2016 Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) nationals and were strongly recommend by former National Under 20 youth soccer coach Vince Ombiji who is the director of sports at KU university. Vince ombiji also coached Efusi in sometime in 2011 or 2012.
As for Raphael Asudi, this is player who came through the under 20 youth team and was consistent in the 2016 under 20 squad. I think he has been promoted to the senior team to inspire the young players i.e remember amos nondi and teddy osok type of promotion
@Jakoyo has been a great rumour monger in this site without any factual sources. He posted that salaries have not been paid, mara players will be on strike, mara finances, mara players etc. Please get your facts right before posting nonsensical rumours. From my sources, Sport Pesa is here is to stay as well salaries have been paid may be allowances.