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Gor Mahia boss Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno is not underestimating Nairobi United ahead of their FKF Cup final encounter.
Gor Mahia interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno is approaching Sunday’s FKF Cup final with measured respect for opponents Nairobi United, refusing to be drawn into the usual favorites-versus-underdogs narrative.
The experienced tactician, who has seen it all in Kenyan football, is wary of taking anything for granted when his side lines up at Ulinzi Sports Complex against a fearless Nairobi United side that has knocked out top-tier giants on their road to the final.
“I think the term ‘favorite’ has always been more of a media perspective. Favorites don’t always win—sometimes it’s the underdogs that surprise them,” Zico told the media on Thursday in the build up to Saturday’s game.
“Look at the teams they’ve knocked out—Tusker, Kakamega Homeboyz, KCB, and Mara Sugar. That shows they’re here on merit.”
“We’re not treating them as underdogs. They’re equals—we’re both in the final.”
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With Gor Mahia missing out on the league title, the FKF Cup is now their last chance to lift silverware this season. Zico knows what is at stake.
“We had two objectives this season: win the league and lift the Mozzart Bet Cup. The league is gone, and this is the only trophy left. We have to give it everything—come out strong, stay committed, and try our best to bring the cup home on Sunday.”
But the experienced coach is careful not to reveal too much ahead of the clash.
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“That’s a difficult question to answer without giving away too much about our team. But what I can say is: we are prepared—very seriously prepared. We know we’re not facing an easy team.”
Adding intrigue to the final is the presence of Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti, who was once under Zico’s guidance. But for the Gor Mahia coach, the past holds no weight on match day.
“Coach Nic has done a great job with Nairobi United. I’m happy for him—as his former teacher, it’s rewarding to see.”
“But come Sunday, that teacher-student dynamic won’t matter. It’ll come down to tactics and the 11 players on the pitch.”
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Zico’s caution is well-founded. As exclusively reported by Pulse Sports, Nairobi United defender Bichiok Diang has been vocal about his team’s belief and readiness, brushing off any intimidation factor.
“Gor is just another team in the league. We have beaten the likes of Tusker and Homeboyz en route to the final, so it will not be a huge deal because the players are now used to facing big opponents.”
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