KPL rivalry soars
By Dennis Mabuka, October 27, 2023
After losing to Gor Mahia in their last FKF Premier League fixture, Tusker returns to action with a must-win battle against Sofapaka at Machakos Stadium tomorrow.
The Brewers have registered inconsistent results that have seen them drop to position 12 on the 18-team table with eight points from seven matches.
The Ruaraka-based outfit have suffered three defeats already in this campaign – 2-1 against Kakamega Homeboyz, 1-0 against Shabana, and 1-0 against K’Ogalo – an outcome that has seen their top hierarchy call for improved results from the technical bench-led by veteran Robert Matano.
“The players are doing everything right but we are not getting the results that we need,” said Matano ahead of the Sofapaka game, adding: “We want to make things right against Sofapaka, I know they are a wounded side just like we are because they have been struggling for results, but a win is what we want from the game.”
While Tusker are not in a good run of form, Sofapaka will go into the game having picked their first victory of the season – 1-0 against Kenya Police – last time out. The win was orchestrated by new head coach Ezekiel Akwana, who came to replace fired Burundian Francis Haringingo, and on Thursday the club confirmed the appointment of Francis Xavier to assist Akwana.
“Getting our first win against Police was what the team needed and now we will head into the Tusker with our heads held high that it is possible to beat them,” said Akwana, adding: “For us to leave at the position we are in, I have asked my players to keep the winning run going, so we are looking for another win on Saturday (tomorrow).”
Batoto ba Mungu are languishing at the bottom of the log with four points, having lost five matches, drawn one, and won one.
Champions Gor Mahia will hope to put pressure on table leaders Posta Rangers when they take on Bidco United at Kasarani Stadium. K’Ogalo cut Rangers’ lead to one point following their win against Tusker, and the Mailmen, who had suffered their first defeat of the season – 3-1 against FC Talanta – will entertain Bandari at Kasarani Annex.
In other matches set for tomorrow, Kenya Police will seek to bounce back to winning ways when they face Talanta, and Muhoroni Youth will host promoted Murang’a Seal in the match that will televised live by FKF broadcast partners Azam TV.
On Sunday, AFC Leopards will seek their first win when they travel to face Nzoia Sugar at Sudi Stadium in another fixture that will be live on Azam TV. Nairobi City Stars will come up against KCB, Ulinzi Stars will host Shabana FC while Kariobangi Sharks will confront Homeboyz at Kasarani Annex.