'The team is hungry' - Gor Mahia captain oozes confidence ahead of Mathare clash

FKF Premier League defending champions Gor Mahia will be in action this weekend as they they kickstart their title defence against Mathare United at the Machakos Stadium on Saturday, September 28.

After their harsh exit from CAF Champions League, K'Ogalo will hope to put their blemishes behind them and impose their dominance on the league.

Gor Mahia, who won their record 21st title last season, will look to widen the gap and bag their 22nd crown and skipper Philemon Otieno says the motivation is higher than ever.

"We are Gor Mahia. Our agenda is to always make sure that we win. The players are well motivated and ready to go. We want the 22nd," he told Pulse Sports.

Mathare United are one of Gor Mahia's strongest opponents in terms of head-to-head, having won 12 matches, drawn 14 and lost 14 in the 40 matches that they have faced off. Otieno assures that the team will approach the Slum Boys with the respect that they deserve,

"In Gor (Mahia) there are no 'small' games, every game we approach like it's a big game. Mathare (United) is one of the best teams and we will treat them as such," said Otieno.

The defending champions will be playing catch-up to the likes of KCB FC and fierce rivals AFC Leopards who have already played three matches in the league, a feat the captain says the team relishes.

Gor will look to take inspiration and lessons learnt from their CAF Champions League journey as they mount their title defence.

FKF PL SATURDAY'S FIXTURE

Sofapaka FC v Bandari - Machakos Stadium

Bidco United v FC Talanta - Utalii Grounds

Shabana FC v Posta Rangers - Gusii Stadium

Gor Mahia v Mathare United - Machakos Stadium

SUNDAY'S FIXTURES

KCB FC v Ulinzi Stars - Police Sacco Stadium

Murang'a Seal v Mara Sugar - Sportpesa Arena

KK Homeboyz v K. Sharks - Mumias Complex

AFC Leopards v Nairobi City Stars - Dandora Stadium

Police FC v Tusker FC - Police Sacco Stadium