Gor Coach Ze Maria calls for calm as title race heats up

Gor Mahia FC’s Head Coach Marcelo ‘Ze Maria’ Ferreira has praised his side for keeping their composure against their eternal rivals, AFC Leopards, as the champions claimed a 2-0 win during Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby.

Following their 2-2 draw against Henry Omino’s Western Stima in their previous Kenyan Premier League (KPL) fixture, the Brazilian tactician allayed fears his charges would be tempted to change tact in their remaining fixtures in a panicky bid to catch leaders Tusker FC.

The Brewers were held 1-1 by relegation-threatened Nairobi City Stars at the Afraha Stadium as the title race blew open, as K’Ogalo closed to within four points of the league leaders.

“We played well. Everyone did his job and what impresses me the most is that we stuck to our philosophy to always try and win. In the end we got two goals and a clean sheet and that is very important for us. I am happy with the output we gave.

“Now we have nine points to play for and I want to see the same; the next two matches will be crucial before we face Tusker in the last game,” the Brazilian tactician told Citizen Digital.

With striker Meddie Kagere broke his goalscoring duck in timely fashion and Rwandese striker Jacques Tuyisenge claiming an assist, K’Ogalo faithful will hope the two will hold their firepower long enough to deliver an unprecedented fourth consecutive KPL title.

“I am happy scoring but what makes me happier is that I have never lost in the league ever since I returned in June.

“Sometimes derbies end prematurely so having seen what occurred last year, we had to be cautious and take our chances. This was my second time playing in the derby and I am very happy to record my maiden goal in such a big game around,” Kagere, who opened the scoring with a calmly taken penalty, said.

Meanwhile, Tusker’s Head Coach, Paul Nkata, said his side are focusing on their own run of fixtures and remain unfazed by Gor’s charge behind them.

“I don’t want to concentrate on how they are performing  but my target is to win the title before the last match. It can be a very difficult match if we allow them to be mathematically in the title race when we meet in November 19,” Nkata warned .

On the opposite end of the table, Ingwe find themselves in unfamiliar grounds, just two places away from the relegation zone with their dream of finishing inside the top eight all but shattered.

For 2009 champions, Sofapaka FC, it’s the proverbial fall from grace to grass as they eye an unlikely escape from the relegation zone. The Batoto ba Mungu were 2-1 winners over Muhoroni Youth on Friday but have almost run out of matches to overturn their fortunes.

“We have been preparing well and the players are always sharp during training, which has not been the case in our competitive matches. I hope the win against quite a strong side will motivate the team in the last three matches in our quest to survive relegation,” Sofapaka’s club legend and Interim Coach, John Baraza said after a triumphant first match in charge stated.

The former KPL Golden Boot winner took over from Harambee Starlets Head Coach David Ouma who was relieved of his duties on Thursday following a string of poor performances that condemned the club to its current situation.

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tusker fc. GOR MAHIA KPL Kenyan Premier League Gor Paul Nkata Ze Maria

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