Gor Captain Shakava Aware Of Mbao Threat, Confident Of SportPesa Cup Victory

NAIROBI, Kenya- Gor Mahia FC captain Harun Shakava understands the potent challenge the Tanzanian teams pose in the 2019 edition of the SportPesa Cup but maintains that they are prepared to win the coveted title for the third year running.

This year’s edition of the newly renamed SportPesa Cup is scheduled to take place between January 22-27 at the National Stadium in Dar Es Saalam, Tanzania.

Gor have won the last two editions of the eight-team regional tournament, with the most recent being a 2-0 victory over Simba SC in the 2018 final at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

In addition to their stellar performance in the competition, Gor have not yet conceded a single goal in all the six matches played against both Kenyan and Tanzanian opposition.

The record Kenyan league champions have been drawn to play against Mwanza-based Tanzania Premier League (TPL) side Mbao FC in the third quarterfinal on January 23, starting at 2pm (+3GMT) local time.

“We don’t know much about Mbao but that will not make us take them lightly. This edition is going to be tougher than the previous two but we are prepared to take on any challenge,” Shakava told .

“Every team has seen the fruits of winning this tournament and I’m sure that the chance to play Everton FC is on everyone’s mind, ours as well,” he added.

Mbao FC star striker, Said Khamis, declared his intention to rattle Gor’s net as he hailed his team’s willingness to pickpocket the holders and topple them from their crown at best or give them an almighty scare if their quality proves to be too much.

Speaking on the level of seriousness that Gor took the threat with, Shakava was cautious not to cause a stir and maintained that anything is possible in a game of football.

“Our defence has been rock-solid in this tournament and we will do our best to keep them from being the first to score against us.

“Anything can happen in a game of football though, even if they do score the final result is what matters,” Shakava underlined.

Undisputed champions

The winner of the SportPesa Cup will get the once in a lifetime opportunity to host nine-time English champions Everton FC later in the year, on their second visit to Africa.

Gor remain the only club to play against Everton, both on African and English soil, losing 1-2 in Dar Es Saalam and the most recent being a 4-0 loss at the iconic Goodison Park last November under the tutelage of Briton Dylan Kerr.

Mbao FC are one of the two clubs making their maiden appearance in the knockout competition alongside last season’s SportPesa Premier League’s runners-up Bandari FC, and will undoubtedly have an uphill task if they are to topple the undisputed champions.

“Just like every other team, we want to win. We realize the intensity that the Tanzanians will come at us with but we will be ready for the contest,” the 26-year old captain stated.

Gor are set to arrive in Dar on Monday, January 21 straight from Cameroon where they will be going up against New Stars de Douala in a CAF Confederations Cup play-off second leg tie.

The Kenyans who are under new leadership in Turkish coach Hassan Oktay, take a 2-1 lead into the second leg courtesy of goals by Lawrence Juma and Jacques Tuyisenge at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Shakava also conceded that Tanzanian fans tend to turn up in larger numbers than the Kenyan faithful and urged the fans to back their individual teams, stating that the players need their support if they are to win an unprecedented third crown.

“We have played in Dar and seen the huge number of fans that turn up to show their support.

“I appeal to all our fans who will be watching the games on TV or even those who will travel to show us support, we cannot do this without them,” Shakava concluded.