Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has urged his charges to remain focused as the possibility of laying claim to a 20th Kenyan Premier League title becomes a reality by the day.
Gor Mahia have been unstoppable this season and the Irish gaffer reckons they are in a strategic position to dictate their destiny.
McKinstry spoke after the record Kenyan champions opened a four-point lead at the summit of the log after squeezing out a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mathare United at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Wednesday.
“We have reclaimed a comfortable lead at the top of the table and all we need now is to stay calm and collect all the points from our remaining matches. I believe that’s very much achievable,” McKinistry stated.
“We faced a good side today and rose to the occasion. I have noted areas we still need to work on to ensure we clog all the loopholes that could be used by our opponents to punish us and deny us the title,” he added.
After being handed a baptism of fire in his maiden assignment, the newly appointed Mathare United head coach Collins ‘Korea’ Omondi said he was satisfied with how his players handled themselves in the closely-contested encounter.
“It’s my first match with the club and I’ve only been with the squad for barely a day. I’ve brought on board to turn Mathare into a winning side and that’s exactly what I intend to do,” Omondi said.
“We have some brilliant players who can perform wonders. They only need to be guided on what to do to achieve positive results and we are certainly working towards that.
“Philemon Otieno burnt a hole in the Slum Boys’ net with a rasping shot to put K’Ogalo in front in the 25th minute only for Ronald Sichenje to cancel out the effort just moments before the interval.
Sichenje raced onto a deep ball from Khalid Jumaan and got his first touch perfect before driving a low and hard left-foot effort past Gad Matthew in goal.
Fleet-footed forward Boniface Omondi fired Gor back into the driver’s seat with a masterpiece conversion in the 60th minute.
Wednesday’s outcome catapulted K’Ogalo to the apex of the log with 62 points, four clear of defending champions Tusker who suffered a dent in their title retention bid after playing out a barren draw against Nairobi City Stars at Ruaraka grounds.
Kakamega Homeboyz beat Wazito 1-0 at Bukhungu Stadium as KCB and Bandari played out a barren draw at Kasarani Annex.
Visiting Ulinzi Stars stunned AFC Leopards 1-0 at Nyayo stadium while Police FC secured a crucial 2-0 win over Bidco United at the Police Sacco Stadium.
