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Gor Mahia seek to maintain unbeaten run at rejuvenated Kenya Police’s expense as they seek to show them who the real ‘Sirkal’ is despite ticketing controversy.
Kenya Police will be hosting Gor Mahia at the Police Sacco Stadium hoping to secure a fourth consecutive win that will help them try and finish as high as possible in the league this season.
Police have had a relatively inconsistent season, having already gone through three different coaches, and have not played anywhere near their level from last season when they finished a record third.
They will be facing a Gor Mahia side that are yet to lose a single game this season but maintain a considerable lead at the top of the league table.
The last time both sides met, it ended in a 0-0 draw at Kasarani last October, with Police producing a defensively resolute display that left Gor Mahia struggling to create a lot of open chances.
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08:20 - 03.02.2024
FKFPL Why Gor Mahia is nicknamed 'Sirkal'
Gor Mahia are set to face Kenya Police in a clash dubbed the 'Sirkal Derby' this weekend, but this is an account on how the 1987 CAF Cup Winners' Cup champions earned that nickname.
Now, they will be hoping they can keep that fire burning if they are to get a positive result at home.
The game has already been overshadowed by the fact they have hiked their ticket prices just to prevent a lot of fans from attending the 500 seater Police Sacco Stadium, but it remains to be seen whether they will actually adhere to their decision, with fans threatening to still come in large numbers with just the usual Ksh, 200 shillings.
Police are sixth on 30 points and have the joint-second best attack in the league, but their defence has been porous. They have scored 24 goals, same as Gor Mahia, but conceded 16, while Gor has conceded just seven after 19 games.
“The team is in high spirits because we have prepared well and there are no injuries at the moment,” interim coach Salim Babu said.
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17:57 - 02.02.2024
FKFPL McKinstry urges Gor Mahia fans to respect Police's decision to hike prices ahead of 'Sirkal' derby
McKinstry has urged the fans who will not be able to attend their match against Police due to the hike in ticket prices to support the team in other peaceful ways.
“The game will not be easy, neither will it be difficult, but the mood in camp is fantastic and everyone is as well as ever.”
Babu has praised Gor Mahia’s form but is adamant that his charges will show they are the real ‘Sirkal’.
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“They have maintained good form since the league started up until the start of this second leg, but that is their own form. We are focused on ourselves and we know we will win.”
The club have secured the signings of Brian Okoth from FC Talanta, Duncan Otieno from Gaborone United and former Gor Mahia midfielder Sammy Onyango, and Babu has hinted that some of them could play a part against Gor Mahia.
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14:26 - 02.02.2024
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat on why Kenya should have many footballers playing abroad
Firat gave an example of Ayub Masika’s recent move to Azerbaijan side Sabali and Stanley Wilson’s ongoing trial in Sweden as potential door-openers for more Kenyan players to move there.
For K’Ogalo, coach Johnathan McKinstry has already made his feelings known about Police’s decision to hike up the prices, saying that, although the fans must respect the decision by Police, it does not sit right that the fans will be denied a chance to follow their own team.
“The decision by @kenyapolicefc to increase ticket prices 8-fold when they host @gormahiafcke this weekend, at a time when the cost of living is so high, is abhorrent, predatory and with complete disregard to the most important stakeholders in the game,” McKinstry wrote on his X page.
“ If they so wish, it is very simple to limit the capacity of a game without penalising the loyal fans who are the lifeblood of the game.”
However, he has asked the fans to remain calm and peaceful regardless of the situation and support the team in a level headed manner.
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20:00 - 01.02.2024
FKFPL Uproar as Kenya Police hike ticket prices ten times ahead of crunch Gor Mahia fixture
This looks like a strategy by Kenya Police to prevent Gor Mahia fans from attending the match, as they have made only 500 tickets available for sale.
“Tomorrow, regardless of how many are in the stadium, we will give everything in pursuit of victory.”
“To our loyal Fans, I ask that you remain calm despite the most unfair treatment you are receiving.
“If you can afford to attend, we will be forever grateful for your support.”
The game will kick off at 3 PM and will be broadcasted on Azam TV.
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