Gucha Stars host MOFA as National Super League intensifies

Gucha Stars' forward Umar Iliyasu attempts to dribble past two Mwatate United defenders during their NSL clash. Gucha won 2-0/ ANGWENYI GICHANA

Newly promoted National Super League side Gucha Stars FC will play their third match in less than a week when they host the Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) on Wednesday.

The fixture, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was pushed forward by a day to give Gucha Stars extra recovery time after their Sunday outing. On Sunday, Gucha Stars beat Mwatate United 2–0 at Gusii Stadium, with Steve Odongo and Vincent Nyabuto scoring.

The win came just days after another 2–0 victory, this time over Kisumu All Stars last Thursday. The club has been navigating a congested schedule following their late admission into the second tier and still have two games in hand. They have picked up 13 points and sit 10th on the table.

Head coach Sammy Okoth acknowledged the demanding run of fixtures. “The game against MOFA will be our third in six days. The only advantage is that we’re at home. Against Mwatate United, I substituted five key players so they could rest ahead of the MOFA match. I can’t complain about the congestion,” said Okoth.

The former Shabana coach is targeting another strong outing. “MOFA are a good team, but we want to maintain our good run in the league,” he added. MOFA head coach Charles Warinda praised his opposite number ahead of the clash.

“I have a lot of respect for coach Okoth. He has done a fantastic job with Shabana and now Gucha. He is my senior and my friend,” said Warinda. “We know we have to be at our best against a good side that will throw everything at us. We must be ready to control, manage and look for a positive result.” Warinda added that the NSL’s unpredictability is part of its challenge.

“That’s the beauty of it. Every match is tough, with different styles, and you must prepare well,” he said. Migori Youth lead the standings with 23 points, followed by Mombasa United on 19. 3K FC lie third with 18 points, while MOFA are fourth on 16 after 10 matches.

 Fixtures

Today

Darajani Gogo v Naivas  ( Marist University Grounds)

Nzoia Sugar v Mully Children’s Family (Sudi Stadium)

Kisumu All Stars v Equity Bank  (Moi Stadium) 

FC Talanta v Kabati Youth  (Ruaraka)

Mwatate United v Luanda Villa (Wundanyi)

Soy United v Vihiga United ( Eldoret Showground)

3K FC v Kibera Black Stars