Gor Mahia and Sofapaka in Narok, head coach Dylan Kerr says they have one agenda in that tie which is to seal the Kenyan Premier League title race.
The Briton is keen on pulling a win over their opponents and to achieve that, he has demanded character from his players which to him, is an important factor to achieve what they want.
“We have one agenda in match against Sofapaka – to win and that means we want to win the league title. I have demanded hard work, enthusiasm and brave performance to win the match,” Kerr exclusively told the official Gor Mahia website.
It’s a tight fixture which is important to both Gor Mahia and Sofapaka.
For Gor, a win will be a big step towards wrapping up the league campaign while to Sofapaka, it will be a great chance to better their place as the season comes to its culmination.
Commenting on the Sunday’s match where Rayon Sports grabbed maximum points against Gor Mahia at Kasarani, the tactician says the team tried to win but it wasn’t their day.
“We tried to win but it wasn’t our day… my players and l are devastated. The players know we’re better than that, I know we’re better than that and everyone involved knows that but in just over one year, l am proud of my staff and players who are giving everything and more to be the best,” noted Kerr.
After facing Sofapaka, Gor Mahia will be hosting AFC Leopards on Sunday at Kasarani before hitting the run-way to Algeria on Monday for next week’s Caf Confederation Cup match against USM Algier.
“The first leg league result proved that my young team is equal to the task against big guns. Gor Mahia are the cup holders and the fact that they have been playing in high-profile CAF Confederation Cup matches is enough reason to give them due respect. But I must say we are ready for them once more,” said Baraza.
He added that Sofapaka will not be fooled by Gor’s ignominious 2-1 defeat by Rwanda’s Rayon Sport last Sunday, adding that it was a mere slip-up and that they (Sofapaka) expect to meet a vengeful lot.
“The worst we can do is to look at the result of Gor’s match against Rayon. Obviously, improvement is on their minds and we know just how dangerous they can be. We’ll try as much as possible to handle any pressure and God-willing win the match,” said Baraza.
The tactician further reckoned that his team ought to have won in their last match which they drew 2-2 with Nzoia in Bungoma were it not for missed chances.
“We actually created more chances than Nzoia. I have told my strikers to be composed and if that happens, they should be able to rise to the occasion against Gor,” said Baraza.
Granted, Baraza’s message on improvement is one that should be heeded by the likes of Stephen Waruru, Pistone Mutamba, Kepha Aswani and Umaru Kasumba who are shouldered with the main responsibility of banging in goals for Sofapaka.
Gor are on a redemption mission and losing a second match on a trot will be unacceptable to their fans.