SPL Preview: Gor face Tusker test without striker Jacques Tuyisenge

Gor Mahia will have a second chance to prove they can cope with the absence striker Jacques Tuyisenge when they play table-toppers Tusker FC on Saturday, April 17th at the Nyayo National Stadium in what will be the highlight of the SportPesa Premier League’s (SPL) ninth round of matches.

The defending champions were held to a 0-0 draw by a defensively staunch Ushuru FC in their last outing, with Jacob Keli particularly wasteful in front of goal. With Gor’s Team Manager Jolawi Obondo confirming that first choice striker Tuyisenge is not yet fully fit to play on Saturday, the odds look stacked against K’Ogalo.

However, Obondo has declared that his side is unfazed by injury concerns that includes that of midfielder Khalid Aucho who was carried off the pitch after what looked like a concussion.

“I believe we have enough squad depth and everyone is capable of filling in the shoes of the other. To say we’re going into the match the weaker side because of the injuries affecting first team players is not true,” Jolawi told Citizen Digital.

Long-serving captain Jerim Onyango was quick to rally his side to bounce back from the disappointing weekend draw.

“The first 11 that will be selected by the coach will just be as strong even in the absence of Jac and Aucho,” he said.

Tusker FC Captain, James Situma, has said his side will not underrate their opponents and hailed the quality in their side.

“We have no injuries in our side since Osborne Monday and Danson Kago have been declared fully fit so it’s up to the technical bench to select their preferred starting line-up,” the veteran defender stated.

In-form striker Michael Khamati is expected to lead the Brewers’ forward line as he looks to improve on his impressive return of four league goals so far. After a comfortable away win over Western Stima in Kisumu, Paul Nkata’s boys are short anything but confidence.

Nakuru’s Afraha stadium will host another mouth-watering clash as Mathare United take on Ulinzi Stars in what promises to be a tactical masterpiece between experienced coaches, Francis Kimanzi and Robert Matano.

While Matano has been the brain behind the military men’s league low four goals conceded this season, Kimanzi has been the brain behind a team a high-scoring Thika side that has notched ten goals already this season, only second to Tusker FC.

SPL favorites AFC Leopards face a tricky Ushuru FC with Ivan Minnaert fully aware that he cannot afford any slip if they hope to keep their title dreams alive.

After winning the coach of the month award, the Belgian called on his boys to remain consistent as the competition nears half-way.

Kepha Aswani will face one of the stiffest backlines with Ken Kenyatta’s back four rivalling Ulinzi as one of the most organized defense.

Twahir Muhiddin’s Bandari FC host Posta Rangers at the Mbaraki stadium with one point separating the two after nine SPL matches.

In other fixtures, Muhoroni Youth play visiting Western Stima in Muhoroni, while Thika United play City Stars at Thika Municipality Stadium.

Saturday 16th April 

15:00 Tusker vs  Gor Mahia – Nyayo Stadium

15:00 SonySugar vs Chemelil Sugar -Awendo Stadium.

15:00 Muhoroni Youth vs Western Stima -Muhoroni.

15:00 Bandari vs Posta Rangers -Mbaraki Stadium Mombasa.

Sunday 17th April

4:00 Ulinzi Stars vs Mathare United -Afraha

15:00 Thika United vs City Stars -Thika Municipality Stadium

16:15 Ushuru AFC Leopards -Nyayo stadium

All matches kicks off at 4:00pm (E.A.T)

Tags:

Bandari FC AFC Leopards GOR MAHIA Ulinzi Stars Twahir Muhiddin Posta Rangers Gor Muhoroni Youth FC Ingwe SportPesa Premier League (SPL) SPL

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