Kenya Police FC will aim to put recent stumbles behind them when they host Mara Sugar at Police Sacco Stadium on Wednesday.
Serbian head coach Dusan Stojanovic insists his squad is ready to respond after a string of lacklustre performances.
“Our focus is clear: win every match,” he said. “We’ve had lapses in performance, but the squad is determined to bounce back.”
Currently seventh on the Kenyan Premier League table with 23 points, Police cannot afford to drop more points.
Stojanovic is banking on home advantage to lift his players. “Mara Sugar are tricky opponents, but we know our strengths. The home crowd will be a big advantage,” he said.
He added that training sessions this week have shown renewed commitment. “There’s hunger and focus in every session,” he noted.
The coach has meticulously studied Mara Sugar’s recent games and believes his team can exploit the visitors’ weaknesses.
“Our recent matches showed our potential. Now it’s about translating that into results,” Stojanovic said.
“The players understand the stakes. We’re ready to perform and secure victory.”
Mara Sugar, however, arrive with confidence despite being outsider. Head coach Edward Manoah emphasised that his team will not be intimidated. “Police are strong at home, but we are prepared,” he said.
“We have a plan and will stick to it,” Manoah stressed discipline as the foundation of his strategy.
“Our focus is structure and concentration. Every point counts if we want to move up the table.” The visitors plan to take advantage of any opportunity on the counter.
“We will look to counter effectively and take our chances when they appear,” Manoah said. He remains optimistic about securing points at the Police Sacco Stadium, adding, “Every match is an opportunity to move up the table.
We can get points here.” At Kasarani, defending champions Gor Mahia face Murang’a Seal in what promises to be another high-intensity encounter. Coach Charles Akonnor is preparing his squad to assert dominance early.
“Murang’a Seal are improving, but our focus is on controlling the game,” he said. Akonnor believes midfield control will be key.
“Our midfield must dominate possession and create scoring chances,” he added. Consistency remains Gor Mahia’s mantra.
“Every fixture is important. Consistency will define our season,” Akonnor said. He also emphasised the role of the fans: “The support of our fans at Kasarani can lift the team. We expect them to be vocal and passionate.”
Despite acknowledging Murang’a Seal’s threat, he remains confident: “We respect Murang’a Seal, but Gor Mahia aim to win convincingly.”
Murang’a Seal, coached by Osborne Monday, will look to frustrate the champions with disciplined defending and swift counters.
“Gor Mahia are formidable at home, but we will play our game,” Monday said. His tactical plan is clear: “Stay compact and strike on counters. The players are aware of the challenge but motivated to get results.”
Monday has prepared his team extensively. “We’ve analysed Gor Mahia and know how to cause problems,” he said.
He stressed focus and discipline as essential for their survival in the league: “Every point matters this season. Concentration and composure are key.”
He concluded, “We aim to stay focused, play our style, and take our opportunities when they come.”
Both fixtures promise tactical battles and high stakes. Kenya Police aim to rebound from a series of inconsistent results, while Gor Mahia seek to maintain their top-of-the-table position.
by TONY MBALLA
