Gor Mahia Head Coach Johnathan McKinstry is expecting a tough duel when his side meets Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Charity Shield on Saturday.

This eagerly anticipated Charity Shield showdown brings together the two sides, with Gor Mahia entering the match as reigning FKF Premier League champions, while Kakamega Homeboyz claimed the FKF Cup, solidifying their status as a team to be reckoned with.

Gor Mahia quiet preps

Kakamega Homeboyz returns to Kenya following a tour of Uganda, where they engaged in a pre-season friendly match against KCCA, resulting in a 2-0 loss. Meanwhile, Gor Mahia have been quietly preparing, with a relatively silent pre-season and have played Bidco in a friendly.

The match comes after Kakamega Homeboyz recently carved their path to victory by overcoming formidable opponents such as AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, and Tusker. This journey culminated in their triumphant maiden trophy lift.

Reflecting on the impending duel, Coach McKinstry acknowledged the challenges posed by Kakamega Homeboyz.

“We know they are a tough opponent in the Charity Shield and we expect a tough game. Obviously, they got the better of us a couple of times last season, but the games were closely contested. We are two closely matched teams and I think supporters should expect a tight game on Saturday; it’s going to be a really tough game,” he said.

Gor Mahia vs Homeboyz memories

The forthcoming clash reignites a compelling rivalry that unfolded throughout the 2022/23 season. The first-leg encounter saw Gor Mahia narrowly secure a 1-0 victory against Kakamega Homeboyz.

The tables turned dramatically in the FKF Cup, with Kakamega Homeboyz stunningly claiming a 1-0 triumph at the Bukhungu Stadium, disrupting Gor Mahia’s progress in the competition.

The competitive spirit continued to simmer in the league’s second leg, as Kakamega Homeboyz displayed their mettle, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Gor Mahia.

Their formidable performance nearly derailed Gor Mahia’s league title aspirations, culminating in an exhilarating climax that held fans spellbound until the closing moments of the season.