Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor/HANDOUT
Round Four of the SportPesa League in on this weekend, with several high-stakes fixtures scheduled.
The headline match is on Saturday, where Gor Mahia face KCB at Dandora Stadium. This fixture has traditionally tilted in favour of Gor, but both teams come into the clash with something to prove.
Gor Mahia, under Ghanaian head coach Charles Akonnor, began their season with a 1-0 defeat to Bidco United, before bouncing back with a 2–0 win over Sofapaka. Akonnor remains cautious.
“We needed that win against Sofapaka to remind ourselves who we are,” said Akonnor. “Now we must build momentum because KCB are a team that can punish you if you switch off.”
KCB, managed by veteran tactician Robert Matano, claimed a 1–0 win over Kariobangi Sharks in midweek and will aim to keep their winning run.
“Against Gor, you cannot afford mistakes,” said Matano. “But we are KCB. We also have ambition and we go into this game with belief.”
APS Bomet host champions Kenya Police FC in Kericho. APS coached by Michael Nam, are bottom of the standings after two straight losses, 4-2 to Shabana and 2-0 to Murang’a Seal. Police, led by Etienne Ndayiragije, opened their campaign with a barren draw against Ulinzi Stars in a dull Afande Derby.
Bandari, who recently parted ways with head coach Ken Odhiambo following a surprise 1–0 loss to Shabana, host Murang’a Seal at Mbaraki Stadium.
New coach John Baraza takes charge in a pressure-filled environment, while Yusuf Chipo’s Seal are fresh from a 1–0 win over APS Bomet.
Sunday features the Slum Derby where Mathare United rock horns with Kariobangi Sharks. Mathare, coached by John Kamau, have emphasised discipline and structure, while William Muluya’s Sharks rely heavily on attacking football.
Tusker take on Shabana at Moi Stadium, Kasarani. Tusker, managed by Charles Okere, are under pressure after just a point in three matches. Okere has signalled tactical changes to reignite their season.
“We are sharpening the blades,” said Okere.
Shabana’s Peter Okidi believes his side is earning their place in the top flight.
“We are not tourists in this league,” he stated. “We belong here.”
Before then, two matches are scheduled for Friday at Dandora Stadium. Sofapaka, who are coming off a 2–0 loss to Gor Mahia, host Kakamega Homeboyz in the first while Posta Rangers face AFC Leopards.
Sofapaka and Homeboyz are seeking their first win. Sofapaka coach Ezekiel Akwana remains optimistic.
“We cannot drown in yesterday’s mistakes,” he said.
His opposite number, Patrick Odhiambo, eyes a new narrative.
“Our story is just beginning,” said Odhiambo. “And each chapter must be written with courage.”
KCB coach Robert Matano/HANDOUT
Rangers come into Friday’s clash with confidence following their win over Tusker, while Leopards are in search of a breakthrough after drawing 1-1 with Sofapaka in their season opener.
Rangers’ coach Sammy Omollo, said: “We respect Leopards, but Rangers must fight like lions too.”
Fred Ambani, in charge of Leopards, sees progress despite recent struggles.
“We are close,” he noted. “The goals will come, and when they do, the league will feel it.”
The round wraps up on Monday as Bidco United take on Nairobi United. Bidco, led by Anthony Akhulia, come into the clash with their heads high after their opening day win over Gor Mahia.
Nairobi United, under Nicholas Muyoti, are confident too after their topflight debut win over Mara Sugar.
The final match will see Ulinzi Stars host Mara Sugar. The soldiers, under Dunston Nyaudo, have five points from three matches, while the millers, under Edward Manoah, will hope to get their season on course after just a point from a possible six.
