Skipper Shakava Confident Gor Can Beat Chemelil

15th August 2018

SPL titleholders roll on to Machakos seeking victory amid fixture pile-up

Gor Mahia FC captain, Harun Shakava (right) in action in an SPL clash against Kariobangi Sharks FC. PHOTO/File
Gor Mahia FC captain, Harun Shakava (right) in action in an SPL clash against Kariobangi Sharks FC. PHOTO/File
SUMMARY
  • Gor are on a run of five games in nine days, the most recent their 3-1 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz FC in Kisumu on Monday.
  • K'Ogalo extended their lead at the top of the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) to 14 points.
  • After Chemelil they return to action 48 hours later for their second leg CAF Confederations Cup clash against Rayon Sports SC
  • Head coach Dylan Kerr plea to postpone SPL fixtures was turned down by the Kenyan Premier League

NAIROBI, Kenya- Gor Mahia FC captain Harun Shakava has tipped his side to remain focused despite the hectic fixture schedule as they seek a crucial win over Chemelil Sugar FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Thursday.

The SportPesa Premier League champions who are closing in on a record-extending 17th domestic crown are on a punishing run of five games in nine days, the most recent being their 3-1 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz in Kisumu on Monday.

“The loss to Bandari made us realize that we are human and it brought us back down to earth. Being the first loss of the season and judging by how it made us feel, we knew that we had to pick ourselves up and focus on the upcoming games," Shakava told SportPesa News.

The record SPL champions responded in fine fashion with back to back wins against Posta Rangers FC and Homeboyz.

Another three points against Chemelil will leave them needing only five points from their remaining fixtures to hold on to the SPL title and it may all come down to winning the trophy during the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against eternal rivals AFC Leopards on August 25.

“We are taking it one game at a time, keeping in mind that no game is more important than the other. We are prepared for the Chemelil test and thereafter, we switch our focus to Rayon Sports,” Shakava continued.

Rayon test

Gor will then have two days to prepare for their second leg CAF Confederations Cup clash against Rayon of Rwanda at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday.

Despite the unassailable lead that Gor are enjoying at the top of the SPL table, their captain remained modest when asked about his confidence in them retaining the coveted title.

“We are at the top now but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. There are still plenty matches to be played and we just have to take it one game at a time and focus on getting positive results,” the Gor captain concluded.

Chemelil have two games in hand and sit in 15th place with 27 points from 24 matches.

Goals from Francis Mustapha, Innocent Wafula and substitute Kevin Omondi saw K'Ogalo extend their lead at the top of the SPL to 14, with Bandari, Leopards and Sofapaka rounding the top four.