Coach Zico confident of Gor Mahia’s chances ahead of Tusker showdown
By Luke Oluoch, January 17, 2025
Gor Mahia‘s interim head coach, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, says his team has prepared well for the clash against league leaders Tusker FC on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Machakos Stadium.
Speaking on Friday, January 17, 2025, Zico admitted it will be a tough ask against the league leaders, who lead proceedings halfway through the 2024-25 season
The Brewers have lost points only once in their last five league matches and have not experienced defeat since their 4-1 loss to AFC Leopards in the second week of December. However, the Gor Mahia coach maintains that statistics will matter less as they prepare for the upcoming game.
“Our aim is to win the game like any other. Tusker have normally been a tough team, one of the title contenders every season,” Zico said.
The tactician has further downplayed K’Ogalo’s inconsistent streak, saying it will be a different match against the Brewers.
“We know what we need to do in that game. We must be at our best both tactically and mentally. We are preparing in these aspects and expect to emerge victorious come Sunday,” Zico asserted.
Despite the inconsistencies that have seen the side remain fourth, Zico is confident.
“We play every game with the view of emerging winners. Tusker match is no different. They are league leaders, but that won’t change our approach.
“In terms of them being leaders and ranked above us, it doesn’t count. We play the eleven players who face us and not the statistic,” he added.
Mathews missing
The trainer has further revealed that custodian Gad Mathews will miss the tie due to injury, while Ronney Onyango will be assessed ahead of the clash.
“We only have two cases of injured players: Gad (Mathews) got injured when we played Kitara and is out on doctor’s advice. Ronney (Onyango) had a knock and is due to get his MRI report today (Friday). We are hopeful it’s nothing serious and we can have him tomorrow (Saturday, January 18, 2024) for training,” he added.
Zico has been tasked with turning Gor league fortunes after the dismissal of Leonardo Neiva in November.
The match will kick off at 6:00 pm.