Tusker will be hoping they can overcome Gor Mahia for the second time this year in Machakos.
Tusker head coach Charles Okere has laid out his strategy ahead of a high-stakes clash against Gor Mahia, aiming to secure back-to-back wins over K’Ogalo when the two sides face off at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday afternoon.
With the title race intensifying, the match presents a pivotal moment for both teams. Tusker, currently joint top of the FKF Premier League with Kenya Police at 38 points from 20 games, can reclaim sole leadership if they defeat Gor Mahia.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia, sitting third with 34 points but boasting a game in hand, will look to close the gap to just one point by securing victory.
Erambo, who is a key midfielder for Harambee Stars nowadays, has revealed his target for the side at the upcoming 2024 CHAN after clinching Tusker’s February player of the month.
Before Tusker’s showdown with K’Ogalo, Kenya Police will have the opportunity to move three points clear if they overcome Bidco United on Saturday.
Gor Mahia will also be seeking revenge after suffering a 2-1 defeat in the first round, where Ryan Ogam’s brace broke K’Ogalo hearts.
Gor Mahia, who are the defending champions, have historically had the upper hand in this fixture. Last season, they completed a league double over Tusker with identical 1-0 victories.
In the 2022 campaign, they edged Tusker 2-1 in the first leg before a goalless draw in the return fixture. However, in 2023, Tusker stunned Gor Mahia 2-0 in the first leg before K’Ogalo responded with a 2-1 win in the second.
)
Gor Mahia take on Tusker on Sunday in a crucial top-of-the-table clash.
Okere, confident in his team’s preparations, emphasized their gradual improvement and readiness for the challenge.
“We have come from far. We started on a slow note, and now we are on the right track,” Okere told Pulse Sports.
“A win for us will put us top of the log. We are going to take it one game at a time. We have a plan, and if we execute that plan well, we are going to win the game.”
Understanding the significance of the second leg, Okere acknowledged the mounting pressure but viewed it as a source of motivation.
“Second leg is about pressure, and in any game, if there is pressure, the best motivation for you is learning how to handle it. Gor Mahia is a big team, and so are we. We have to be ready technically, physically, psychologically, and tactically.”
He also highlighted the club’s broader ambitions, noting that winning the league would send a strong statement and make their supporters proud.
“We have targets. Winning this title will be a huge statement of intent by us because we will make the management, the fans, and the country at large proud.”
Tusker midfielder Chrispine Erambo, who was named the club’s player of the month for February, echoed his coach’s sentiments, adding that he is personally motivated ahead of the clash.
“This award serves as tremendous motivation heading into tomorrow’s match, especially for me. We are truly energized for this game, considering the progress we’ve made towards our objectives,” said the Harambee Stars midfielder.
With both sides eager to claim all three points and strengthen their title bids, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a thrilling battle.
