Oktay demands more from from strikers after Mathares stalemate

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) defending champions Gor Mahia head coach Hassan Oktay, has urged his charges to be more clinical in front of goal in the upcoming matches as the topflight league continues to gather momentum.

The domestic giants were held to a 1-1 draw by an in form and league leaders Mathare United when the two sides clashed at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Sunday afternoon.

Oktay warns if Gor are to defend their title his goal poachers have to be ruthless against opponents, as it was in the 2018 season.

“This is the third game I have been in charge we have been creating many charges but not converting,” he said, adding: It’s high time we capitalise on the many chances we are creating in these matches. I’m hopeful this will improve in the coming games.”

After the stalemate, the 17-time champions occupy position eight on seven points after five rounds while leaders Mathare who have played six games to claim the summit spot with 14 points.

The champions will be back in action on Wednesday when they face Posta Rangers from 4:00pm at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, a tie Oktay is expecting improvement from his side.

On the other hand, the 2008 champions head coach Francis Kimanzi has lauded his side for the draw adding it was a good result against the champions.

Mathare and Western Stima remain the only two unbeaten sides in the League and are sharing the top spot with the slum boys having a better goal difference.

“Getting a point against Gor is not a bad result we are hoping to keep on improving each and every game,” said the United coach.

Meanwhile, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa has condemned the violent scenes that rocked another KPL clash played on Sunday pitting AFC Leopards and Nzoia FC at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

Bakari Randy scored in the dying moments of the added time as 10-man Nzoia Sugar came from a goal down to draw 1-1 against Ingwe.

The match referee George Mwai was attacked by stewards alleged to be from Leopards camp at the end of the match.

“Hooligans! This time we will get you. Mmezoea vibaya, (You are accustomed to this bad habit) you are back at it. You have no right to win a football game, everyone competing does. I wonder if families and children have. Leopard’s toeni hao watu (expose those people) this time round, it’s your responsibility,” posted Mwendwa on his Twitter account.