Defending Football Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia are refusing to give up in the race to represent Kenya in the Africa champions League next season.
With eight points separating the champions from the leading pack, Gor Mahia coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto says there is so much to fight for until June 30, the date FKF set to announce the club that will represent Kenya in the continental club championships. FKF said the side that will be in top of the league table on this date will be the country’s flagbearers.
And after beating Vihiga United 1-0 on Thursday in Mumias to register their third consecutive win, coach Pinto says his side has finally found its stability in the league. The win comes after previous victories against City Stars (1-0) and Sofapaka (2-1).
“We started the season very shaky. We lost games we should have won, but now we have won three in a row and I am happy with the way we are playing,” the coach said.
It was a sweet revenge for Gor Mahia who lost to Vihiga in Nairobi in their first leg game in January. Gor Mahia has also lost to Nzoia Sugar, Kariobangi Sharks, Posta Rangers, Kenya Commercial Bank and Tusker.
But coach Pinto says the team has worked hard on the weaker areas that led to the defeat and the current performance makes him happy and confident moving forward.
“The past is behind us. We dropped very valuable points but we sat down and did a stocktake of our performance. We now know what we need to do in our chase.”
Clifton Miheso scored the lone goal for the champions in the 40th minute to see Gor move to fifth on the log with 28 points. Kenya Commercxial Bank lead the table with 36 points same as second placed AFC Leopards while Tusker are third with 35 points. Kariobangi Sharks have 31 points. all have played 17 matches one ahead of Gor Mahia.
Up next is another tricky one against Wazito but coach Pinto says his boys are ready.
“From the way we are now playing, I think we have the confidence to face any opponent,” he said.
“Our opponents should write us off at their own peril,” Pinto stated.