Sofapaka legend James Situma has admitted that his former side must win their next match against Gor Mahia if they are to make their dream of winning the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title come true.
Speaking to Goal in an exclusive interview, Situma said the best outcome for the 2009 KPL champions would be to win the match in Kisumu on Sunday and derail Gor Mahia’s surge to a third consecutive title.
Situma, currently playing for Mathare United, was Sofapaka’s captain when they lifted the title in 2009 in the same season they were promoted to the Kenyan top-flight.
“If Sofapaka will win the match on Sunday then they will be right back in contention to win the league because they would have hindered the Green Army’s speed. But if they lose that means they would have made their race tougher,” Situma told Goal.
Situma currently plays for Mathare United.
The former Tusker man, who has been deployed mostly as a defender and sometimes as a central midfielder, explained that in football, past records sometimes do not matter as any team that has been performing badly against another can spring a surprise.
Situma was referring to the poor record Sofapaka have against the Green Army since 2009. He also expounded on how squad depth will play a role when the two rivals meet this weekend.
“Although Sofapaka might be having a poor record against Gor Mahia, we all know that something stupid might happen in football. In this sport you do not rule out anybody at all lest you are surprised,” Situma continued.
“Depth will play a critical role in Sunday’s match and we know that Gor Mahia’s squad depth is way better than most teams because when one player has been injured the one replacing the injured is certain to do the job right. And that is a bigger advantage for them.”
Situma: Sofapaka must win on Sunday.
Gor Mahia are leading second-placed Sofapaka by seven points on the KPL table and a win for them will all but secure the title.
“It a win or bust situation for Sofapaka and I know how difficult it is to find yourself in such a condition. However, I know they have players who can motivate them against Gor Mahia and that is what they need now,” Situma added.
“It is all about winning the match for Sofapaka and Gor Mahia will have to plan again because that will be a blow to them.”
The match will be staged at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, a venue where Gor Mahia are yet to lose a match this season.
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