"We have to win on Saturday"- Otieno rallies Gor Mahia with top-spot in sight

Gor Mahia skipper Philemon Otieno says K’Ogalo “have to win” their weekend game against Sofapaka to stand a chance of winning another FKF Premier League title.

Back from successful Mozzart Bet Cup action last weekend, Gor Mahia face Batoto Ba Mungu at Dandora Stadium on Saturday 19 April, with the prospect of moving joint-top of the table.

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Should corresponding performances not go their way, however, K’Ogalo still have a game in hand, which could reignite their hopes of winning a 22nd league title.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Otieno said: “The mood in the camp is good, we are pushing hard, and going for maximum points because the league is taking shape. We must work hard and make sure that we win.”

Gor Mahia, who should have head coach Sinisa Mihic missing from the touchline with a red-card picked in their last game against KCB, are unbeaten in their last 11 matches in all competitions, last losing to Tusker in January.

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In Saturday’s 1500 EAT kickoff, they come up against a well-rested Sofapaka, whose last win in this tie came back in February 2020.

That stat does not mean Gor Mahia will be taking the game easily, however.

“In Gor Mahia, every game you have to be under pressure because fans, and players alike believe we must win every game,” Otieno added.

“We urge all our fans to turn out in large numbers and rally behind the team.”

A player missing from their usual line up will be defender Kennedy Onyango, who is recovering from a complete fracture of his tibia and fibula bones.

On the positive note, striker Benson Omalla will make his long-awaited Premier League return after receiving his go-ahead from FIFA.