Kakamega Homeboyz pledge to derail Gor Mahias Premier League title hopes
The Kenyan record holders could extend their lead to nine points at the summit of the 18-team standings should they overcome Homeboyz.
AFC Leopards, their nearest challengers in the race for the crown and placed second at present, sit out this weekend since their match versus Ulinzi Stars got deferred.
For AFC Leopards, action resumes on May 9th facing Mara Sugar. That said, Homeboyz chairman Clephas Shimanyula has issued a stark alert to Gor Mahia, insisting they face defeat in Kakamega.
Homeboyz show no pity towards Gor Mahia
"It will not be business as usual for Gor Mahia. They know the kind of dosage we administer to them when they come to Kakamega, and it will not change; we will give them the same dosage of defeat,” Shimanyula told Flashscore.
"We know they are fighting for the title, but they must know we don’t care about their chase for the title. We have our own ambitions to finish up the table, and we want to win all our remaining matches.
"We will not have mercy for Gor Mahia, we will not spare them, it will be a game like any other. We will fight for every ball; we want to show them we have a good team. It will not be easy for them; they should come prepared to pick their goals in a sack of bags."
When questioned if Homeboyz aim to defeat Gor Mahia to aid their 'in-laws' AFC Leopards in second place, Shimanyula replied: "It is not the case, we just want to beat Gor Mahia, and I want to tell them money will not buy points, if they talk about money, we also have money.
"The fans should come in numbers because they will watch an entertaining game. We want to score at least four goals in the first half. If possible, we want to beat them even 5-0. I know it is possible, and my players are ready."
This seasons opening encounter between the teams resulted in a 1-0 victory for Gor Mahia over Homeboyz. In the prior campaign, Homeboyz failed to defeat Gor Mahia. The initial clash ended 0-0, followed by a 2-0 win for Gor Mahia in the return leg.
During the season before that, Homeboyz secured a 1-0 success in the first outing, with the away fixture concluding 0-0.
Gor Mahia need to maintain concentration
In the meantime, ex-Gor Mahia keeper Jerim Onyango has urged the side to remain alert while pursuing this years league crown.
"Right now, the title is a bit closer, and I am sure they can see it. However, they must take one game at a time in order to get the job done. Thinking that they have already won it would be disastrous. They must keep the focus in every single game until they cross the line," Onyango told Mozzart Sport.
"The next two matches, especially, will be very key, beginning with the match against Kakamega Homeboyz.
"If they can hold their nerves, build on the morale from the derby and win the next two matches, they shall have killed the hopes of the chasing pack and possibly cruise to the 22nd title."
Regarding the triumph over AFC Leopards, he noted: "Winning against AFC Leopards was obviously a massive boost to their title campaign as those were their closest rivals."
Gor Mahia lead with 61 points from 18 victories, seven stalemates, and four losses, whereas AFC Leopards hold second spot on 55 points via 16 wins, seven draws, and six setbacks.
Gor Mahias final five outings include Kakamega Homeboyz, Kenya Police FC, Murang’a Seal, Mara Sugar, wrapping up versus Nairobi United.