Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva has tipped his charges to snap KCB’s unbeaten streak when the two sides face off in a highly anticipated Kenyan Premier League midweek matchup.
The champions — who have had a fantastic start to the season — collecting maximum points from their first two games, will be looking for their third straight victory against the high-flying bankers.
Notwithstanding the KCB’s impressive run, which has seen them win four of their last five meetings, Neiva has vowed to lead his charges to victory at Dandora Stadium on Wednesday.
“Our objective is clear and we had our goals set at the start of the season. We will not relent on our aspirations to defend the title. That’s what our fans expect us to achieve. Nothing less,” he said.
“We know we are facing a side that is high on confidence after collecting four wins in five matches and we cannot afford to underrate them. But the head-to-head statistics agains KCB remain in our favour.”
The Brazilian said an intense desire to compete on the continental level is driving K’Ogalo.
“We would like to return to the Caf Champions League and gain more ground than we did this season.We have not given up on our aspirations to assert authority on the international stage,” he said.
In their most recent game, K’Ogalo beat Posta Rangers 3-0 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos with decisive ease.
However, Neiva still criticised his team’s overall performance.
“Neither team played a particularly lovely game. The game was not particularly technical. We gave our opponents too much room in the backline,” he said.
“This is something we will have to work on before our next match if we seriously want to win.”
K’Ogalo are sixth on the log with six points from two matches. Meanwhile, KCB head coach Patrick Odhiambo has reiterated their desire to protect their unbeaten run.
“We respect Gor a lot but we have some unfinished business with them. We are going for nothing short of victory on Wednesday,” he said.
“We expect a tough battle but we have done our homework well enough and we are ready for our opponents.”
Elsewhere, FC Talanta will flex muscles with Bandari at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos while Tusker battle Ulinzi Stars at Police Sacco Stadium and Bidco United host Kariobangi Sharks at St Sebastian Park in Murang’a.
Shabana host Sofapaka at Gusii Stadium as Nairobi City Stars travel to Mumias Sports Complex for an away match against Kakamega Homeboyz.
Debutants Mara Sugar have a date with Posta Rangers at Awendo Stadium, while Murang’a Seal hosts AFC Leopards at St Sebastian Park.
Police will be seeking their first win of the season when they face Mathare United at Police Sacco.