Pinto wary but confident ahead of Bidco test

Gor Mahia head coach Manuel Vaz Pinto has expressed optimism in his team as the defending league champions prepare to take on an impressive Bidco United in the semifinals of the Football Kenya Federation on Sunday afternoon.

Gor who had a well-documented stuttering start to the first half of the season have been nothing short of sublime since football’s resumption mid-May. Going into their semis duel against the league debutants, the record Kenyan champions carry an imperious nine match winning streak both in the league and cupGoing into their semis duel against the league debutants, the record Kenyan champions carry an imperious nine match winning streak both in the league and cup, performances that have completely turned around Gor’s hitherto dismal campaign.

That Gor have pulled off nine straight wins in a span of 28 days is no mean feat, and heading into the crucial match where Gor’s continental hopes crucially lie, the Portuguese head coach, while acknowledging the congested fixture list, has stated that K’Ogalo are prepared to once again rise to the occasion for a place in the finals.

“This competition has been very intense with consecutive and difficult games because in one game, we all want to win in order to be in the next round. Being the semifinals, we know the game is more important and the challenge is even more difficult. We are ready. We always take the game as an opportunity to improve and if we do that we will be closer to the final,” the head coach posted.

In the quarter finals, Karim Abdoul and Sidney Ochieng’ got the job done for the Green Army who saw off cup specialists Kariobangi Sharks. Goalkeeper Gad Mathews also saved a penalty in the match to ensure Gor walked away with an intact scoreline.

Despite dominating in the league where they have won the last seven out of the last eight titles, Gor have struggle to replicate a similar feat in the cup competition as it has now been eight years since their last victory in 2012. A possible route to the appealing CAF Confederations Cup however lies at stake for Gor this year when they take on Bidco.

The clash kicks off at 1530EAT at Utalii Grounds.