Gor Mahia’s latest fixtures in the FKF Premier League have exposed a trend whereby the team fizzles out in the second half after a good first-half display, raising concerns over fitness levels within the squad.Against Police FC, after netting early in the first half, the team could not cope as the Makarao barraged them with incessant attacks, eventually ending their 19-game unbeaten run with an embarrassing 3-1 defeat.##NAJAVA_MECA_7881763##Speaking after the match, police’s coach, Salim Babu told the press that despite conceding early, he did not panic and knew that his charges would bounce back if they controlled ball possession.The same script was replayed on Saturday against Nairobi City Stars in Machakos as K’Ogalo sweat blood and tears to hang on to Benson Omala’s fourth-minute goal as the Simba Wa Nairobi came at them hammer and tongs, especially in the second half.“We have a lot of tired guys there,” Jonathan McKinstry, Gor Mahia’s Irish gaffer, admitted after the game against City.“When you play for K’Ogalo, the games are more intense than for any other team, and you could see that towards the end of the game, some little mistakes were happening through mental fatigue,” he added.He’s now banking on the upcoming Mozzart Bet Cup window this weekend to rotate his squad and rest some of the players who are experiencing burnout.Staying in touch with Gor Mahia in the FKF-PL. Posta Rangers 1-0 Ulinzi Stars. Gor Mahia 1-0 City Stars #Football90 @mikeokinyi @njehrymeg pic.twitter.com/ZzIUH3rI7f— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 19, 2024 Notable faces such as defender Joshua Onyango, on-field skipper Geoffrey Ochieng, and Alpha Onyango, who came on late into the second half, were already given a rest in the game against City to recharge.“We try not to rotate unless there’s a real issue,” McKinstry said, explaining that Geoffrey needed to rest to allow his ankle to heal. He further disclosed that the replacement of Joshua with Sylvester Owino at the heart of the defense was due to fatigue.Despite playing with a lean team for the better part of last season, which they won, Gor Mahia was considered one of the fittest teams in the league. Yet, the same cannot be said of this season’s group, even with a bolstered squad that gives greater latitude for rotation.K’Ogalo lost their fitness coach last season, Mikael Igendia, to regional rivals Simba SC of Tanzania.Joshua Chabicha hunting double glory with Gusii FC
