Pinto full of praise for fatigued Gor Mahia heroes

Gor Mahia coach Vaz Pinto has heaped praise on his ‘heroic’ players after they picked an eighth successive win across all competitions against Mara Sugar FC on Sunday at Ruaraka Grounds. 

 K'Ogalo saw off the Division One side 2-1 to book a place in the FKF Cup quarters as they seek to end a nine-year drought in the competition. Tito Okello and Kenneth Muguna got the goals for Gor Mahia while Reuben Okoth got the consolation goal for the visitors. Gor will now take on 2018 winners Kariobangi Sharks in the quarters.

In his post-match interview, the Portuguese coach was full of praise for his players for managing to conjure yet another win despite the fatigue they are currently experiencing after playing eight league and cup matches in the last 20 days. 

 "This is our eighth game in the last 20 days. It's not easy - these guys are like heroes. We try to manage the fatigue by rotating the squad. I am very happy with their performance, we've won our last eight games in a row," the former St. George FC coach said. 

Pinto was also critical of the Ruaraka playing surface saying its' bumpy nature made it difficult for his team. He added that it in fact gave Mara an edge as according to him they were more defensive throughout the game

 "It's also not easy playing on this ground because it gives the advantage to the Division One team as they were defending and when you attack it's very bumpy. I am happy with my players. We now shift our focus to the next game which we will approach with confidence and respect for the opponent," he added.

 Despite being the underdogs, were impressive putting in a spirited fight but Pinto says the Narok County-based team barely threatened his side.

"We scored the first goal then opponents scored to make it 1-1 and the opponent started to be a little more emotional but we dominated created more chances but we don't didn't score, I don't remember any clear chance the opponents had but I am happy because we are in the next round," he concluded.

Gor will play Sharks on Wednesday in the FKF Cup quarters.