Posta Rangers head coach Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo has rallied his players to “fight like lions” as they prepare to face record champions Gor Mahia in a crucial Kenyan Premier League fixture at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Rangers currently top the league standings with seven points from three matches, while Gor Mahia sit fourth with six.
A victory for Omollo’s men would further tighten their grip at the summit and underline their strong start to the season.
“This match means everything for us,” Omollo said in an exclusive interview after Friday’s training session.
“Gor Mahia are a big club with history and tradition, but we’ve shown this season that we can stand toe to toe with anyone. My players have the hunger, and that’s what wins matches.”
Omollo, who has built a reputation for his fiery sideline presence and tactical discipline, emphasised that his side’s success depends on focus rather than fear.
“We respect Gor Mahia, but respect doesn’t mean fear,” he said. “We’ll play our game — with speed, pressing, and compact defending. The key is concentration from the first whistle to the last. You can’t switch off against Gor, not even for a second.”
The former Harambee Stars defender admitted that fitness and composure will be critical in the fixture.
“I’ve reminded my players that football is not just about talent — it’s about temperament,” Omollo added. “The team that stays calm under pressure usually wins. We must show maturity, especially when Gor push forward.”
Rangers are coming off a 2-1 away win over Shabana at Gusii Stadium, a performance Omollo described as “gritty but promising.”
“It wasn’t perfect,” he said. “But we fought back from a goal down, which shows the resilience we’re developing. That’s the spirit I want to see again on Sunday.”
On the opposite side, Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor exudes calm confidence. His team, buoyed by a narrow 1-0 victory over KCB, enter the contest seeking a statement win that could propel them to the top of the standings.
“We’re building momentum,” Akonnor said. “The players are starting to believe in the system, and you can feel the energy in training. Matches like this separate contenders from pretenders.”
The Ghanaian tactician praised his squad’s fighting spirit and tactical discipline, noting that the chemistry is improving each week.
“I see progress — not just in results but in attitude,” he added. “Our transitions are sharper, our pressing is coordinated, and the players now understand that winning ugly is still winning. Posta are in form, yes, but so are we.”
Akonnor believes his team’s experience in big games could give them an edge over the league leaders.
“Posta Rangers have started well, but they haven’t faced the kind of intensity we bring,” he said.
“We’ve studied their games. They press high, but that leaves space behind. If we’re clinical, we’ll exploit that.”
The coach also lauded his attacking trio for their growing chemistry, describing their cohesion as “the heartbeat of our attack.”
“When you have players who trust each other, everything flows,” Akonnor noted. “We’re not just preparing for Posta — we’re preparing for the entire season. Our target is the title, and every match counts.”
Both teams boast strong defensive records, having conceded only two goals each in their opening three fixtures.
As excitement builds, both coaches agree that the clash represents more than just three points.
“We play for the fans,” Omollo said. “They’ve been our twelfth man. Every shout, every drumbeat drives us forward. I want them to come to Nyayo and leave proud of this team.”
Akonnor echoed that sentiment, calling on supporters to fill the stadium. “Kenyan football needs passion and atmosphere,” he said.
“We want to make this league something special. Let’s give the fans a game they’ll remember.”
In other matches, Kariobangi Sharks will host APS Bomet at Moi Stadium, Kasarani, on Saturday, while Kakamega Homeboyz take on Ulinzi Stars at Bukhungu Stadium.
AFC Leopards’ clash with KCB has been moved to the Ulinzi Complex from Nyayo Stadium, as Murang’a Seal face Tusker at St Sebastian Park.
Meanwhile, Shabana will welcome Mathare United at Gusii Stadium, Kisii.
