Shakava tells Gor to turn guns on KPL

Gor Mahia Captain Harun Shakava has told his teammates to forget their CAF Confederation Cup heroics and focus on Sunday’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clash against Thika United.

Fresh from cruising to the Confederations group stage at the expense of three-time South Africa Premier League (PSL) winners SuperSport United, Gor host Thika United at the Kenyatta Stadium Machakos needing a win to keep the chase after leaders Mathare United.

In an interview with Citizen Digital on Friday, Shakava insisted the importance of striking a balance between their domestic and continental assignments.

“Such matches are very difficult, when you are coming from a victory of that magnitude. Some players may be sluggish in shifting focus to the next assignment, and the opponents take advantage before you realize.

“We have to be keen to avoid any kind of distraction, because everyone expects our continental form replicated in the league,” Shakava noted.

He admitted Thika are always a hard nut to crack, but expressed confidence of sinking them in the Sunday duel.

“We need these points. Our competitors in the top three are fighting hard to keep winning, so we can’t afford to drop points anyhow knowing a more demanding time is coming when we kickoff the Confederations group stage matches,” the skipper underscored.

Head coach Dylan Kerr will have goal-poacher Jacques Tuyisenge, Ivorian Ephrem Guikan and midfield ace Ernest Wendo available for Thika, after missing Wednesday’s Pretoria Outing.

Thika are 15th on the log on nine points, 13 places behind Gor who have 22 points.

In other weekend actions, Mathare will lock horns with hosts Wazito FC, Chemelil Sugar versus Sofapaka FC while Kakamega Homeboyz will entertain Kariobangi Sharks.

AFC Leopards will be visiting Bandari FC at the Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa, as Tusker FC cross swords with Zoo Kericho.

The matches will continue on Sunday, Nakumatt FC hosting Ulinzi Stars, Sony Sugar clashing against Posta Rangers with Vihiga United and Nzoia Sugar completing weekend pairings.

Tags:

Gor Mahia FC KPL Harun Shakava Thika United

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories