Gor Mahia’s Akonnor banks on squad depth ahead of Homeboyz clash

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor is confident his side’s squad depth and healthy competition for starting places will prove crucial when they face Kakamega Homeboyz in a Kenyan Premier League clash at Bukhungu Stadium on Wednesday.

The match kicks off at 2pm, with the league leaders seeking to maintain their perfect start to the campaign after collecting nine points from their opening three matches.

Akonnor said the team would stick to its established approach but hinted at possible changes to the starting line-up, giving players who have impressed in training an opportunity to feature.

“It is a continuation of what we have always done, so we are prepared. This time around, we may have one or two changes because we want to give everyone a chance, especially those who are doing well,” said Akonnor.

“As a team, we are not worried about giving any player a chance to play. We believe in each and every person in the squad.”

The coach attributed Gor Mahia’s strong start to their self-belief and ability to adapt to different match situations, expressing confidence that the team can maintain its standards against a challenging Homeboyz side.

“We believe in ourselves, and we understand what to do in the situations we face. That is what has kept us going in our first three matches,” he added.

Captain Sylvester Owino echoed his coach’s confidence, pointing to improvements in both attack and defence as key factors behind the team’s positive results.

“I think we have improved both on goal scoring and defensively, and the results are coming,” Owino said.

The defender acknowledged the difficulty of playing Homeboyz away but insisted that Gor Mahia had prepared adequately and were targeting maximum points.

“Homeboyz away is a tough fixture, but we have prepared adequately, and we are going to give it our all and make sure we come back home with maximum points,” he added.

Owino also emphasised the importance of training in sharpening the team’s tactical execution and building confidence ahead of matches.

“We are training well because this is where it all starts, and when we get it correct here, then it will be much easier,” he noted.

Gor Mahia lead the standings with nine points from three matches, while Kakamega Homeboyz sit sixth after playing two games.

Elsewhere, AFC Leopards take on Mara Sugar, Murang’a Seal host Nairobi United, and KCB face Mombasa United. APS Bomet meet newcomers 3K FC, while Bandari host Posta Rangers in Mombasa.