Premier League champions and Betway Cup winners clash today in FKF Super Cup to kick the 2021/21 season off
By Charles Thuku, September 22, 2021
Gor Mahia will be aiming to stop FKF Premier League champions Tusker from clinching a double when the two teams lock horns in the Super Cup at Thika Stadium this evening.
While Gor will be hoping for a psychological boost after relinquishing the league title to Tusker in the 2020/21 season, the Brewers will be out to prove that the success, which came after a five-year drought, was not a fluke.
For Tusker, a win will add icing on their cake after they eliminated unfashionable Djiboutian side Artar Solar from the CAF Champions League last weekend.
The Kenyan representatives beat Solar 4-1 on aggregate to advance to the first round where they shall meet Egyptian giants Zamalek later next month.
Tusker coach Robert Matano said the match against Gor is just like any other but pointed out that they will stick to their regular game plan.
“I think what is paramount is for us to play our usual game. Of course Gor is a strong team and we have to give them the respect.
I was happy with how my players carried themselves against Solar and I expect them to replicate the same to prove a point as the champions of the domestic league,” said Matano.
The tactician should be an elated man in that his new acquisitions in Shami Kibwana, Deogratius Ojok and Ibrahim Joshua, who helped themselves with a goal each against the Djibouti side, have gelled and are all available for selection against Gor.
“When new players make an impact, you must be happy as a coach.
“We have worked very hard to get where we are and the idea here is for all my players to give a 100 per cent in terms of performance to continue dotting the starting line-up,”
Despite the absence of Henry Meja, who has since joined paid ranks with AIK FC of Sweden, Tusker is not short of talent upfront and are expected to lean heavily on much experienced Boniface Muchiri.
However, in Gor, Tusker will be meeting a battle-hardened side that is determined to rediscover their title-winning ways under English coach Mark Harrison.
Gor will make the most in the match even without Jules Ulimwengu and Tito Okello who have parted ways with the club on mutual consent.