Gor Mahia begin title defence with a stutter
Enock Agwanda of Gor Mahia (left) shoots towards the Chemelil FC goal as Joseph Okumu closes in during a KPL match at the Moi Stadium Kisumu on February 17, 2016.
What you need to know:
- Despite dominating large passages of play, the Frank Nuttall-coached side lacked the killer instinct they had last season with Michael Olunga and Meddie Kagere, who left the club.
- Olunga has signed a four-year deal with Swedish top tier side Djurgardens IF.
- In Kisumu, a bright spot for the league champions was new signing Francis Kahata who’s dazzling skills proved a nuisance to Chemelil’s defensive pair of Samuel Olwande and Smith Ouko.
- In a another development, the Kenyan Premier League’s Stadia, Safety and Security Committee has recommended that Nairobi City Stadium be banned from hosting league matches.
Gor Mahia began their SportPesa Premier League title defence off to a wobbly start when they were held to a barren draw by Chemelil Sugar at Moi Stadium, Kisumu, on Wednesday.
Despite dominating large passages of play, the Frank Nuttall-coached side lacked the killer instinct they had last season with Michael Olunga and Meddie Kagere, who left the club.
Olunga has signed a four-year deal with Swedish top tier side Djurgardens IF.
Olunga had been on trials at the club for a month. The Swedish club announced on Wednesday on their official website that they were signing the 22-year-old Kenya striker.
KAHATA IMPACT
In Kisumu, a bright spot for the league champions was new signing Francis Kahata who’s dazzling skills proved a nuisance to Chemelil’s defensive pair of Samuel Olwande and Smith Ouko.
Kahata first call of action was in the first minute when he set up Enock Agwanda whose shot was parried by Chemelil goalkeeper Samuel Odhiambo to safety.
The home side’s striking pair of Hillary Echesa and Erastus Mwaniki did little to disturb the K’Ogalo defensive trio of Karim Nizigiyimana, Harun Shakava and Musa Mohammed.
In the second half Chemelil coach Francis Baraza introduced Apollo Otieno for Dennis Onkangi to revitalise his midfield that was under constant pressure while Nuttall replaced Agwanda with former AFC Leopards striker Jacob Keli who seemed a fan favourite.
CITY STADIUM BAN
In a another development, the Kenyan Premier League’s Stadia, Safety and Security Committee has recommended that Nairobi City Stadium be banned from hosting league matches.
After inspection of the stadium, the committee, chaired by Western Stima boss, Laban Jobita, said the facility did not meet the criteria to host league matches owing to its poor state as well as the wear and tear of the turf.
“Due to the poor state of the playing turf, there is serious concern over the safety of players and therefore, it’s the recommendation of the committee that the City County Stadium should not host any KPL matches until the necessary repairs have been made,” the committee said.
Players have also complained about the deplorable state of City’s playing surface.
