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After coming so near yet so far to bruising the egos of the FKF-Premier League cup holders Gor Mahia at the onset of the 2023/2024 season last weekend, 2009 champions Sofapaka will be eyeing perfection when they face Bandari in their second match of the season at Kasarani Annex this evening.

Last season, Sofapaka lost 1-0 to the Dockers in the first leg before succumbing 2-1 in the second and this is a spell they would wish to cast away with the team’s coach Francis Haringingo saying it’s possible for good measure, especially after giving K’ogalo a scare at the same setting last Saturday.

 Haringingo reckoned that lack of concentration is actually what put paid to their chances of upsetting Gor and has instructed his charges to be on full alert throughout the ninety minutes against the dockers. “There was one lapse and this is what actually resulted in Gor finding the back of the net. The match has been done and dusted and I must say there is no room for another error as we are determined to achieve our target of winning the league. We don’t fear Bandari,” stated Haringingo.

The only setback for Sofapaka is that right back Simon Munala has been ruled out of the match after receiving a knock during a training session although the team has a suitable replacement in indefatigable Emmanuel Otieno.

As for Bandari, the team’s Head Coach Twahir Muhiddin said he is confident in his players’ ability to return to their winning ways after losing by a solitary goal to Tusker at the start of their campaign.

 “We passed the ball well against Tusker but finally ended up losing but that’s football. I have confidence in the players’ ability to recover from the defeat and yes, we can do it if you may ask me. We have a very strong spirit,” said Muhiddin.

Meanwhile, Kenya Police who are touted as one of the teams to watch face what appears a tricky fixture against Posta Rangers at Police Sacco Stadium in South “C”.

The good thing for the Police is that they will enjoy the service of their two internationals Elvis Rupia and David Ochieng; before the duo are released to join Harambee Stars camp in Kasarani in readiness for the two upcoming friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan.

However, on paper, Police start favourites but should be wary of Rangers who frustrated pre-match favourites Bidco United last weekend in a dour encounter which ended in a barren draw.