Africa-Press – Kenya. The SportPesa League hurtles into Round 10 with tension at fever pitch as contenders, mid-table hopefuls and relegation battlers brace for a weekend of decisive encounters.
All the spotlight will be at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Saturday, where Gor Mahia and Tusker FC meet for the 100th time in league history, a milestone that adds extra spice to a derby already renowned for its rivalry, intensity and tactical intrigue.
Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has urged calm and precision. He reckons emotion alone will not win such high-stakes fixtures. His 4-3-3 system is designed to control the midfield, dictate transitions and exploit any defensive lapses from Tusker.
Akonnor stressed the importance of pace on the flanks, pointing to Ben Stanley and Felix Oluoch as key outlets.
“We break with purpose. If we manage the ball well in key moments, we can tilt the match our way,” he said.
He called on his squad to harness mental resilience and strict discipline, highlighting that a composed, focused mindset is just as essential as talent in navigating the pressures of a high-profile match.
“Every match is a test of character. Our focus is to stay disciplined and execute our plan from the first whistle to the last,” Akonnor said.
Training this week emphasised reading Tusker’s defensive structure and exploiting small spaces. “Tusker are a strong side, but we have prepared meticulously. It’s about patience, reading the game and seizing the moments that matter,” he added.
Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor/HANDOUTTusker coach Charles Okere remained defiant. He said his side has scrutinised Gor’s formation and identified ways to disrupt their rhythm. His 4-2-3-1 setup, he added, is fluid and responsive, capable of pressing wide and forcing Gor into mistakes.
“Their organisation is good, but organisation gives patterns,” Okere remarked. “And patterns create openings if you read them correctly.”
Saturday also features champions Kenya Police FC against Mathare United at the Police Sacco Stadium in what promises to be a tactical showdown.
Police coach Dusan Stojanovic demanded control in midfield and sharper finishing in the final third. Any lapse could be costly.
“One second of switching off is enough to change the match,” Stojanovic said. Mathare coach John Kamau spoke of growing confidence after a vital 2-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz.
He said they will stretch Police defensively, control the tempo and exploit spaces.
“Respect does not mean fear,” Kamau said. “We are ready to compete with precision.” Saturday’s programme begins with Mara Sugar facing KCB at Green Stadium in Awendo, followed by Bidco United against Bandari at SportPesa Arena, Murang’a.
Upcoming fixtures
Saturday
Mara Sugar vs KCB Green Stadium 2 pm
Gor Mahia vs Tusker Kasarani 3 pm
Bidco vs Bandari SportPesa Arena 3 pm
Police vs Mathare United Police Sacco 3 pm
Sunday
K. Homeboyz vs Posta Bukhungu 2 pm
M. Seal vs Shabana SportPesa Arena 3 pm
K. Sharks vs Leopards Kasarani 3 pm
Monday
Sofapaka vs Ulinzi Stars Police Sacco 3 pm
Wednesday
Bidco vs Police Nyayo 3 pm
Gor Mahia vs APS Kasarani 3 pm
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