NAIROBI, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC's forward Jacques Tuyisenge is optimistic of opening his account for the season against Equatorial Guinea side Leones Vegetarianos on Saturday.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) titleholders will host the first leg of the 2018 CAF Champions League preliminary clash in Machakos, about 60km east of Nairobi.

Tuyisenge, who joined the club in January 2016 from Rwandese side Police FC, sat out of the opening league tie against Nakumatt FC where compatriot Meddie Kagere scored a hat-trick as the domestic winners romped to a 4-0 rout.

The pair is expected to lead the goal hunt for the record KPL champions as head coach Dylan Kerr looks to gain early advantage in the competition by winning at home.

"We have prepared well because our focus during pre-season was mainly on the continental matches. We have a good team and we all believe that we can make a mark at this stage this season," Tuyisenge said.

"I did not play over the weekend because I had a slight knock but now I'm in good shape and ready to do my job for the team. I'm a striker and I know what is expected of me at this level is to score goals," the record Gor signing added.

While the club has struggled to go past the preliminaries in recent times, Tuyisenge points out that a convincing win in Machakos will place them in good stead of progressing to the next round.

"My experience with home and away matches is that you have to win convincingly at home before you go and play away. We want to win and carry a healthy advantage to the return leg," the Rwandese international offered.

"I urge the fans to rally behind the team because that atmosphere will be important for us to excel at home. We will not let them down," he underlined.

After struggling with injuries in his first season at the club, Tuyisenge finally found his feet in 2017 netting 13 goals in the league.

He will hope to endear himself to the fans with a good run in the Champions League this season. Enditem