Kenya Police FC is dreaming big in its quest to make a significant mark in this year’s continental assignments, but the next hurdle is the Egyptian giants and defending champions, Zamalek Sports Club tomorrow at 3pm.
Kenya’s Mozzart Bet Cup winners, Police FC, have been hit hard by injuries ahead of the first-leg encounter tomorrow at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Striker Clinton Kinanga, goalkeeper John Njau, left-back Geoffrey Onyango (who signed from Kariobangi Sharks), and midfielders Erick Zakayo, Duncan Otieno and David Owino have been ruled out due to injuries. Kinanga, Otieno as well as Onyango were injured during a friendly match against Gor Mahia last week at the Police Sacco Stadium.
Harambee Stars midfielder Kenneth Muguna will also sit out as he is still serving a four-match suspension imposed by Caf in 2019.
The good news from the camp is that goal-poacher and former Zesco United forward Jesse Jackson Were has been cleared to face the Caf Confederations Cup holders after missing the Ethiopia Coffee game.
Police FC’s assistant coach Anthony Modo Kimani, who is handling this international campaign, remains confident of putting on a superb performance in front of home fans despite the injury setbacks.
“We have prepared well for the big task ahead of us tomorrow. We have had about two weeks of training, and we are set for the assignment. We understand the caliber of the game we are going to play; it is a tough task against Zamalek, one of the biggest teams on the continent. However, we know our strengths as Police FC, and we expect a good outcome on home soil. Despite the injury scares, we are optimistic about giving a good performance since we have good depth in our squad. The players who will be given an opportunity on Saturday are equal to the task and understand our ambitions in this tournament,” Kimani remarked.
Dependable and experienced defender David Cheche Owino says Police FC does not fear Zamalek, despite their status as defending champions, and they are focused on taking down the Egyptian side.
“We know we are facing a big team in Africa, but we are more than ready to take them head-on. We want to play such games to show our levels and where we belong. I urge our fans to come out in large numbers to give us the necessary home support tomorrow.”The last time Zamalek was in town was in February 2019 when they suffered a 4-2 humiliation by Gor Mahia at a packed Kasarani Stadium.
Match tickets are priced at Sh200, while VIP tickets are being sold for Sh1,000.
Hillary Hambaba from Zambia will be the center referee, assisted by countrymen Diana Chikotesha and Thomas Kaela.
