Season kick-off! Cocky Bandari tackle troubled Gor in Mombasa

Bandari FC fans display the club's banner during the GOtv final match against Nakumatt on December 13, 2015 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Winners will take home Sh750,000 and the losers Sh500,000.
  • He announced that tickets will be sold away from the gates in vans from 8am at Sh300.

Bandari host Gor Mahia in an intriguing looking season-opening DStv SuperSport Cup at Mbaraki Sports Club, Mombasa on Saturday from 3pm.

While Gor Mahia may be without their coach Frank Nuttall whose future at the club still remains uncertain, a confident GOtv Shield champion Bandari, under Twahir Muhiddin, are dreaming of early season glory.

“A lot has been said about Gor Mahia and the strength of their squad, but we have also assembled a good squad. There is nothing stopping us from winning,” he said.

The dockers will use their quality new signings including former Sofapaka captain Felly Mulumba, former KPL Golden Boot winger Dan Sserunkuma, former AFC Leopards midfielder Bernard Mang’oli, as well as former Mathare United forward Edwin Lavatsa.

They will fancy a go at the troubled reigning league champions. Apart from the uncertainty surrounding Nuttall, Gor will also miss the services of their expensive signing Jacques Tuyisenge, who has been ruled out with a sore ankle. But the other big name signings Francis Kahata and Jacob Keli will be available.

Because of the high risk status accorded the game, organisers have assured fans of very tight security at the venue.

Bandari FC spokesman, Ernest Mbalanya said some 100 security personnel who include anti-riot police, GSU officers, Mombasa County askaris and stewards will be deployed to ensure safety for all.

“We are keeping tight security because we want the match to end without any ugly incident. We don’t want any problem to happen before, during and after the game,” said Mbalanya, who added that not a single vehicle will be allowed inside the sports club.

He announced that tickets will be sold away from the gates in vans from 8am at Sh300.

“No tickets will be sold at the entrance,” he said.

Winners will take home Sh750,000 and the losers Sh500,000.