Gor, who made history as they became the first East African club to reach the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederations Cup, have had to play three games in a week with the club citing fatigue as an issue.
Regardless Tusker FC will be out to halt Gor Mahia FC’s three-month SportPesa Premier League (SPL) unbeaten run when the two teams battle it out at the Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday.
Following two successive draws against Kakamega Homeboyz FC and Ulinzi Stars FC, the champions returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win against third-place Bandari FC (45) on Tuesday opening a four-point lead at the helm of the SportPesa Premier League table.
This was after opponents Mt. Kenya United FC failed to show up.
Seventh-place Tusker (35) have not lost in their last five matches but will need to be on top form if they are to contain leaders Gor Mahia (52), as they continue to seek their top five spot.
Coach Hassan Oktay called Thursday’s walkover a blessing in disguise, with his team getting a rare opportunity to rest and a free three points to aid in their quest for an unprecedented 18th league crown.
“This is good. We can’t complain at all after picking up three points just like that.
“We are playing so many games and the players are tired. Now we rest and focus on Saturday’s game which is a big one. We will be ready,” Oktay told the media prior to the match.
The highlight fixture will be preceded by the first of the double-header pitting fourth place Homeboyz (41) as they tackle newcomers Kenya Commercial Bank FC (29).
Later on Gor Mahia will travel to Nakuru on Monday for yet another match in their hectic week with a match against Ulinzi at the Afraha Stadium on the cards.