Almost sounding desperate, Abbas said it has been tortuous watching goalkeeper Patrick Matasi claiming he was almost blinded by his erratic display against Tusker.
“It was hair-raising. That boy is so lucky. Football is not forgiving but in this case, the gods have been with him. To err is human, but dropping one error after another is courting disaster.”
But Koops insists there is nothing to worry about.
“Tusker, Sofapaka and Ulinzi have also dropped points. If it is a question of Gor Mahia winning they, too, have their weaknesses that we can exploit,” Koops said.
“There is no lost fire. These young kids are thirsty for the title and will show it against Stima tomorrow,” the 71-year-old Dutchman said.
Family problems
AFC Leopards top the league table with 45 points, two ahead of Gor Mahia and play Western Stima tomorrow in Nakuru.
They are also still to play Gor Mahia, Muhoroni Youth, Ulinzi Stars, Mathare United, Oserian and Chemelil Sugar.
Koops revealed goalkeeper Matasi apologised after the near disaster match against Tusker.
“He had family problems. We have talked and we understand him. However, I have advised them to be open because the state of mind is important. It can easily cost the team,” Koops said.
Leopards leave for Nakuru from their Mumias base this morning with Edwin Masika (thigh) and Victor Ochieng (ankle) major doubts for the tie against Stima.
