Nairobi United head coach's plan to overcome table toppers Gor Mahia
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 20.12.25. | 20:55
Muyoti, who masterminded that historic cup triumph, is under no illusions about the challenge ahead but remains confident his team can rise to the occasion once again
Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti says they have a clear plan to neutralise table toppers Gor Mahia when the two teams clash on Sunday at Dandora Stadium.
Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News
The fixture marks the first meeting between the sides since the memorable 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup final, where Nairobi, then competing in the second tier, stunned K’Ogalo to lift the prestigious domestic Cup.
That defeat remains fresh in the minds of Gor Mahia supporters, with online debate already intensifying as the Green Army views Sunday’s encounter as a chance for revenge.
Muyoti, who masterminded that historic cup triumph, is under no illusions about the challenge ahead but remains confident his team can rise to the occasion once again.
The former Nairobi City Stars head coach believes he understands where Gor Mahia are most dangerous and has prepared his players accordingly.
“Gor Mahia have been very good in transitions, especially from defence to attack, and we have worked on that,” Muyoti told reporters after the team’s final training session on Saturday. “We expect them to play the same way, but we are prepared.”
The Nairobi United tactician added that confidence has returned to his squad at the right time, providing renewed belief ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Their midweek 1-0 victory over Tusker FC proved pivotal, snapping a five-match winless run and injecting much-needed morale into the camp.
The result followed a 1-1 draw against Murang’a Seal three days earlier, a match in which the Naibois finally rediscovered their scoring touch after four barren outings.
Before that turnaround, Nairobi United had endured a torrid spell, suffering consecutive defeats to Wydad Casablanca, AS Maniema Union, Mathare United and Posta Rangers across domestic and continental competitions.
Muyoti insists that the challenging period is now firmly behind them and believes it has served as a learning curve.
“We went for some time without scoring or winning, but the confidence started coming back after the draw against Murang’a,” he said. “We built from that and then beat Tusker, which was a big morale booster coming into this match.
The boys are in a good place mentally, and I believe it will show on the pitch.”
Despite the expected influx of Gor supporters, Muyoti remains unfazed, pointing to his team’s experience in hostile environments, particularly during their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Nairobi have allocated 3,000 tickets to Gor Mahia fans, with 2,000 set aside for their own supporters.
“In our last match, we kept a clean sheet and created many chances, and we want to build on that,” he said. “We have played in very hostile atmospheres before, so the boys are prepared. They know Gor Mahia fans will show up, and our fans will also be here. It’s going to be a good derby.”
In conclusion, Muyoti acknowledged the quality of their opponents but reiterated that Nairobi United have done their homework.
“We expect a very tough and tactical match. Gor Mahia are league leaders and coming off a win, and we are also coming in after a win,” he said. “Both teams are in positive form, but we are prepared, and we are going for the win.”
Team captain John Otieno echoed his coach’s sentiments, admitting the season has been demanding but insisting the squad has turned a corner.
“We have had a tough run in the league and CAF assignments, and things haven’t always gone our way,” Otieno said.
“But we have stayed united, and we are back in form. Tomorrow (Sunday) we are facing a strong opponent, but football is decided in 90 minutes, and I believe we are ready.”
.jpg)
