Psychological war under way as Gor insist Tusker clash at City

Potentially, Sunday’s crunch Tusker Premier League clash between leaders Tusker and second-placed Gor Mahia could be the title decider and, naturally, the psychological war is well under way.

Just early this week the rumour mills were on overdrive that the match was being moved from the decrepit City Stadium to the much bigger and better secured Nyayo Stadium because of the expected mammoth turnout of Gor fans.

KPL of course said there were no such plans usefully adding that it was the home side Gor Mahia who picked their venue.

A bemused Gor Mahia secretary Tom Bwana also wondered who would want the fixture venue changed. “I had this story on Saturday and even called KPL to confirm its authenticity.

“No one has the authority to shift venues but me and I have not. This is our home game and we have no intention of moving it to Nyayo.” For us, City stadium is our registered first home ground and we will be happy to play there. City is also convenient for our supports. It is the venue of choice,” Bwana said.

Artificial surface

And perhaps directed at the joint Tusker psyche, Bwana added: “We now have a good record playing there and cannot wish for any other venue.”

Well, Gor Mahia are unbeaten this season playing at the artificial surface of City. In fact, from their nine home games at City K’Ogalo have registered seven wins.

More worrying for Tusker is that Gor Mahia’s have kept a 100 percent record in their last four home games.

Tusker coach Robert Matano, a veteran of many KPL skirmishes appeared unperturbed by the statistics.

“They (Gor) train there everyday but I do not think it will be an advantage. We beat KCB playing on that same artificial pitch,” he said.

Even so, have Tusker considered a training session on the man-made turf to familiarize themselves with conditions?

Leopards face Oserian

“They (home team) do not need anybody there; it is there stadium. We will train where we have to train and we will play where we have to play,” is all Matano offered.

“This game is part of our league assignment. We knew we will meet them and there is nothing special. For us it is just to play and to play well,” Matano added.

It could be just another match but with two points separating the two sides a loss for either could literally cost them the league title. Waiting in the wings are third-placed AFC Leopards, one point behind Gor Mahia.

Leopards travel to Naivasha to play strugglers Oserian in a tie they expect to collect maximum points.