Gor Mahia, Bandari in tough CAF Confederation Cup assignments
Kenyan clubs in the CAF Confederation Cup play-offs, Gor Mahia and Bandari, face their moments of truth when they play in the first of two-legged ties against tough opponents marauding south of the Sahara this Sunday.
Industrious Bandari is already in Conakry to face one of the best-rated clubs in the continent, Horoya AC of Guinea while Gor Mahia will slug it out at home with Daring Club (DC) Motema Pembe for a chance to grace the group stages.
K’Ogalo is already mired in a myriad money-related problem heading into the fixture with fears of missing out on the group stage after two consecutive appearances. They host DC Motema Pembe at Kasarani on Sunday evening hoping to triumph and earn some reprieve from the Sh27 million on offer should they reach group stages.
Solid display
The team still has 16 players available for this fixture although there is respite with the return to fitness of Ivorian striker Gnamien Yikpe. His availability offers competition if not a relief to Nicholas Kipkirui who has started all the continental matches this season.
The Ivorian had a solid display when K’Ogalo edged Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 last weekend and could start alongside Kipkirui on Sunday.
Team captain Kenneth Muguna and his assistant Joash Onyango also gave K’Ogalo a boost when they resumed training this week after absconding in protest of non-paid salaries.
Nonetheless, coach Steven Polack is optimistic of grinding a result out of the team against the fancied Motema Pembe. The Congolese outfit last played a Kenyan opposition in 1994 when they beat the then Kenya Breweries.
“The situation is not ideal but we are doing what we can and hope to maintain our professionalism all the time. The talent is there, the boys are training well and are ready for the game. We all want to do well and it goes without saying that we want to win on Sunday and maintain that edge over the away fixture to reach the group stage,” Polack said.
Fit squad
His Bandari counterpart Bernard Mwalala exuded great confidence in his charges in their bid to breach the walls of continental greats. “We have a fully fit squad and that increases competition for playing time which, in turn, ensures everyone puts in their best,” he said
Mwalala has tuned his charges to grind a result away from home which means Bandari will play a defensive game in Conakry. “If there is something I’ve learnt in these games is the importance of winning home games and doing everything possible to claw a result away.
If we can get a draw I will be happy and it will boost our resolve when playing the return leg at home,” he added
Team captain Felly Mulumba believes there is sufficient willpower among players to enable them to actualise their dreams of appearing in the group stage. Bandari has never reached this stage of the competition and looks to surpass it by trouncing the fancied Guinean club.
Kenyan clubs in the CAF Confederation Cup play-offs, Gor Mahia and Bandari, face their moments of truth when they play in the first of two-legged ties against tough opponents marauding south of the Sahara this Sunday.
Industrious Bandari is already in Conakry to face one of the best-rated clubs in the continent, Horoya AC of Guinea while Gor Mahia will slug it out at home with Daring Club (DC) Motema Pembe for a chance to grace the group stages.
K’Ogalo is already mired in a myriad money-related problem heading into the fixture with fears of missing out on the group stage after two consecutive appearances. They host DC Motema Pembe at Kasarani on Sunday evening hoping to triumph and earn some reprieve from the Sh27 million on offer should they reach group stages.
Solid display
The team still has 16 players available for this fixture although there is respite with the return to fitness of Ivorian striker Gnamien Yikpe. His availability offers competition if not a relief to Nicholas Kipkirui who has started all the continental matches this season.
The Ivorian had a solid display when K’Ogalo edged Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 last weekend and could start alongside Kipkirui on Sunday.
Team captain Kenneth Muguna and his assistant Joash Onyango also gave K’Ogalo a boost when they resumed training this week after absconding in protest of non-paid salaries.
Nonetheless, coach Steven Polack is optimistic of grinding a result out of the team against the fancied Motema Pembe. The Congolese outfit last played a Kenyan opposition in 1994 when they beat the then Kenya Breweries.
“The situation is not ideal but we are doing what we can and hope to maintain our professionalism all the time. The talent is there, the boys are training well and are ready for the game. We all want to do well and it goes without saying that we want to win on Sunday and maintain that edge over the away fixture to reach the group stage,” Polack said.
Fit squad
His Bandari counterpart Bernard Mwalala exuded great confidence in his charges in their bid to breach the walls of continental greats. “We have a fully fit squad and that increases competition for playing time which, in turn, ensures everyone puts in their best,” he said
Mwalala has tuned his charges to grind a result away from home which means Bandari will play a defensive game in Conakry. “If there is something I’ve learnt in these games is the importance of winning home games and doing everything possible to claw a result away.
If we can get a draw I will be happy and it will boost our resolve when playing the return leg at home,” he added
Team captain Felly Mulumba believes there is sufficient willpower among players to enable them to actualise their dreams of appearing in the group stage. Bandari has never reached this stage of the competition and looks to surpass it by trouncing the fancied Guinean club.
