A few more snags in Gor’s path

 

PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO Gor Mahia’s Kevin Omondi (right) vies for the ball with Chemelil Sugar defender Charles Odera during their Tusker Premier League match on September 28, 2013 at Nyayo Stadium.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Gor Mahia’s chase for their first title in 18 years will not be a walk in the park
• Bobby Williamson remains cautious as he warned his side against early celebrations

By Odindo Ayieko

Even though any team can still win this year’s Kenyan Premier League title, it is Gor Mahia who have best chance, only needing 11 points to end the long wait.

Just nine points separate top seven teams, meaning that seventh-placed Ulinzi Stars who have 35 points can go top of the table if they win their next four matches and rest of the top teams tumble.

But Gor Mahia’s chase for their first title in 18 years will not be a walk in the park as they still have some tough matches ahead of them, including their away fixture against former champions, Mathare United, on Wednesday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Gor also have a date with Thika United, who denied them the title last season when they held K’Ogalo on the final day.

Gor needed a win of any kind over Thika to take the title last season. However, they found Thika a hard nut to crack as they were held to a 1-1 draw to allow Robert Matano’s Tusker to defend their title after the Brewers’ 3-0 drubbing of City Stars at the Hope Centre.

FORMER CHAMPIONS

Gor will play Sofapaka, who are also former champions, on October 23 in a match that will ultimately decide their fate. At the same time, KCB will be waiting to ambush them on November 2.

Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson is hoping to beat Mathare and enhance his chances of winning the title in his debut season.

“There is no time to relax. This is a marathon; you only relax when you have touched the tape,” Williamson told his players on Saturday after their match against Chemelil Sugar.

“We must work as a team and win as a team. Discipline and team work are vital in our title chase,” he added.

The Green Army top the table with 44 points, five points ahead of hard-chasing Sofapaka. Thika are third on 39 points while KCB are fourth on 35 points, same as AFC Leopards, with only goal difference separating the two sides.

Gor Mahia will also be hoping that their closest rivals capitulate in their remaining fixtures to enhance their chances.

The wasteful league leaders beat Chemelil 1-0 thanks to a Dan Sserunkuma ninth-minute penalty awarded after Kevin Omondi had been brought down in the box. Gor held onto to that until the final whistle.

CHAMPAGNE REMAINS ON ICE

But coach Williamson remains cautious as he warned his side against early celebrations. “We are not yet there. We cannot afford to take our eyes off the ball,” he said.

“What the boys exhibited against Chemelil was brilliant. They showed a good attitude and we have to stay focused and treat every match with seriousness,” Williamson said.

The weekend was, however, a cruel outing for most title chasers Sofapaka, Thika United, KCB and Tusker as they all choked, to Gor Mahia’s advantage.

Sofapaka were held to a barren draw by Sony Sugar on Friday while defending champions Tusker fell 3-2 to City Stars. Thika United drew with Bandari and KCB lost 0-1 to AFC Leopards on Sunday.

“Realistically, I do not see Gor Mahia fumbling,” said former Harambee Stars coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee on SuperSport's Simba Soccer show.

And as the battle for top honours intensifies, Karuturi Sports and Kakamega Homeboys look destined for the lower division if they don’t improve.

Karuturi are bottom with 17 points while Homeboyz have 20. Sony Sugar are a slot above with 26 and look to be cruising to safety but it will depend on how they handle their next matches against Chemelil on October 23 and Leopards on October 27.

By Odindo Ayieko and Isaac Swila