NAIROBI, Kenya, September 20 – Will they deny us a title again? This is what defending Champions Gor Mahia must be scratching their heads about as they prepare to host a stubborn Thika United at City Stadium on Sunday in the third round match of GOTv Shield.
K’Ogalo and the Juja based side share the same sponsors but that doesn’t mean all is rosy between the two clubs.
Last year, the latter forced the die hard Green Army shed tears when they held the home team a 1-1 draw to deny them the 2012 Kenya Premier League (KPL) title.
This weekend the two will be at loggerheads again with both teams coming from bitter losses in the KPL.
To get to this stage, Gor whitewashed Shabana FC 6-0 while Thika edged Nakumatt 1-0.
The last time the two sides met, they laboured to a barren draw and after the Shield Cup, the pair meet again soon after to complete their KPL obligations this season, adding spice to the encounter.
In other fixtures, Mathare United face Ulinzi Stars in an early fixture while Sony Sugar will battle it out with KPL champions Tusker FC as Western Stima host Kakamega Homeboyz in a Bukhungu derby on Saturday.
In Nakuru, stand in AFC Leopards coach, James Nandwa, would not have wished for a more testing debut since he faces their bogey side, Chemelil Sugar who they have not beaten for a decade.
A 3-1 defeat to the cane cutters last weekend hastened the exit of Belgian Luc Eymael from the Ingwe managerial hot seat and another loss to Mike Muiruri’s side will add more egg to the faces of the receding giants.
Coastal hopefuls Bandari host division one Finlay Horticulture who are out to claim a big scalp.
On Sunday, high riding Sofapaka play Nairobi City Stars while Karuturi Sports will have the honour of closing the fixtures when they invite Kariobangi Sharks in Naivasha in a welcome diversion to their releation woe in the KPL.
Winners will progress to the quarter finals while eventual champions will represent the country in the CAF Confederations Cup.
