Nairobi United Coach Nicholas Muyoti Reveals What Charges Must Do to Overcome Gor Mahia in FKF Cup Final

Nairobi United overcame Mara Sugar 3-1 on penalties to seal an FKF Cup final berth against Gor Mahia, but head coach Muyoti was unsatisfied by one tactical flaw he observed about his charges.

Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti was unsatisfied by one flaw about his charges despite sealing a historic FKF Cup final place against Gor Mahia following their 3-1 semi final win over Mara Sugar on penalties.

Nairobi United qualified for the final following a 1-1 draw with the TransMara based outfit in regulation time, before goalkeeper Ernest Mohammed made some heroic saves from the penalty spot to help them qualify for the final for the first time in history.

United, who already sealed qualification for next season’s FKF Premier League, will now be facing Gor Mahia in the final, slated for June 14th in a venue yet to be determined.

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Speaking to the media after the match, Muyoti, who ditched Nairobi City Stars earlier this year to join the Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja-owned outfit, explained how he was able to motivate his charges to get it over the line.

Muyoti: These Boys Were Determined

“We are grateful to God for the far we have come. The boys gave in a spirited fight and it even left me lost for words as a coach,” Muyoti said.

“The opposition were very tough today. It is not a bad team and they gave us a run for our money. The support we got helped us. We should actually have done even better but we take what we get from this game and we are grateful to God.

“These players actually motivate you. They saw the light ahead. Our objective was to get to the Premier League but they also wanted the cup, and you can see the fight they have. God is with us.”

Although he is pleased by the fact they will be playing in the final, Muyoti, who previously played for  AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars while he was still a player before hanging up his boots, was frustrated at his players’ overenthutheism, which forced them to disobey his tactical instructions.

Although United created a lot of chances, with Isaac Omweri and Duncan Omalla tormenting Mara Sugar, they were in a hurry to launch the ball forward directly way too many times, which effectively left them ineffective in the final third due to Mara Sugar’s aerial prowess.

Despite the euphoria, Muyoti was candid about one issue that irked him—his players’ overenthusiasm that led them to disregard key tactical instructions. United created several chances through forwards Isaac Omweri and Duncan Omalla, but their tendency to bypass build-up play by launching long balls forward proved ineffective against Mara Sugar’s aerially strong backline.

“We got it wrong tactically because Mara Sugar were doing well to deal with those aerial balls,” Muyoti explained.

“In the second half, I told them to keep the ball on the ground and be patient, and we would have gotten our goals, but they still had a rush to force things, and we were not effective enough in the final third. I will have to work on it. Football is about patience and grabbing your chances.”

"We Must Prepare Psychologically to Beat Gor Mahia"

Looking ahead to the final, Muyoti believes the hunger is evident within his squad, but stressed that mental readiness will be key to overcoming a seasoned Gor Mahia side.

“They want this cup and they are hungry for it. My job is to just make sure that they prepare well psychologically for the game, as well as to train hard and well enough in order to be ready for Gor Mahia.”

With promotion already in the bag and a shot at silverware just one match away, Muyoti’s Nairobi United are writing a remarkable story. But to truly cap it off, the former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards midfielder knows they must blend passion with patience when they meet the mighty Gor Mahia.