Kenya Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia are expected in the country today ahead of tomorrow’s friendly match against giants Simba and skipper Jerim Onyango has vowed to upset their hosts.
Speaking at the unveiling of Gor Mahia’s new coach Francis Nuttal, Onyango said they are aiming at a win in the Simba game to boost morale when they return to domestic action.
“This weekend we do not have a league match so I think it will be good preparation for the game against Tusker when league action resumes. “We want to give our all in the game and come back with a win,” Onyango told journalists.
The fixture at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam has been confirmed in connection with Simba’s earlier request for a friendly match that could not be held due to a busy schedule on Gor’s part.
Simba demanded a glamour pre-season match against Gor Mahia as part of their preparation for the new Premier League season getting underway on September 20.
Simba vice-chairman Geoffrey Nyange ‘Kaburu’ has confirmed that newly-imported Kenyan attacking midfielder Paul Kiongera is in line to play against Gor.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) approved Kiongera move to Simba after the gifted winger asked to move following the expiry of his contract with the bankers.
“Kiongera joined the rest of the squad in Zanzibar and has been training well so he’s expected to play on Saturday,” Kaburu said.
Kiongera, who has penned a two-year deal with the Reds, will be making his second appearance for Patrick Phiri’s side following an impressive show in a 3-0 friendly defeat to Zambia’s Zesco on August 9. Kaburu said Ugandan ace Emmanuel Okwi, who has rejoined the club from archrivals Young Africans, will also grace tomorrow’s match.
Okwi has made a dramatic return to Simba where he has signed a six-month contract just eight months after signing for rivals Young Africans.
The duo join Ugandan Joseph Owino, Burundians Amis Tambwe and Pierre Kwizera plus Kiongera as the foreign players registered at the club for the next season.
After Saturday’s match, Simba, who have pitched their training camp in Zanzibar, will go back to the spicy islands to continue with their preparation for the upcoming season. Simba have already played three build-up games while in Zanzibar and enjoyed a clean sweep of wins.
Agencies