Fired up Nandwa wants to win GOtv shield

Thika United coach James Nandwa against Posta Rangers during their KPL match at Thika Municipal stadium on Saturday 02/04/16.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Thika United coach James Nandwa is confident that his club can win the GOtv shield despite a bad run of results that has stalked the side this season.

The club is currently 14th on the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) log not far from relegation.

But the 2-0 win over Mathare United at the weekend has left Nandwa charged and believes it has turned around the team.

“It was an important win for us and gave us plenty of motivation in the coming matches. We are sure of finishing in a respectable position,” he said.

“We are equally taking the GOtv shield seriously and believe we can even win it and be able to represent the country in continental football next season,” he added.

Thika United play Moyas this weekend in round 32 of the GOtv shield whose winner will walk away with a Sh.2million prize money as well as a ticket to next year’s Confederations Cup tournament.

Nandwa won the tournament with AFC Leopards in 2013.

Elsewhere, a total of 16 matches will be on offer when the shield tournament resumes on Friday.

On Friday, defending champions Bandari will play Nakumatt in a repeat of last year’s final.

With the hopes of winning the KPL dwindling every weekend, the porter’s only hopes of winning silverware is the GOtv shield.

On Friday, Palos will also take on Kariobangi Sharks in an all National Super League (NSL) fixture at Kasarani.

On Saturday, Gor Mahia will face off with Nairobi Stima at Nyayo Stadium. Stima recently fired head coach Yusuf Chipo over poor results and stand-in coach Ibrahim Shikanda is guaranteed a baptism of fire against the 13-time winners of the competition.

Agrochemicals host Vihiga United in Kisumu also on Saturday. Muhoroni Youth have a date against Ulinzi Stars in Kisumu in an all KPL affair.

In other matches to be played on Saturday, Zetech will face Butterfly, Uprising Youth have a date with Tusker while Chemelil will meet City Stars at home.

On Sunday, AFC Leopards invite Kakamega Homeboyz at Mumias Complex before Wazito takes on Bidco United.

Nzoia Sugar face off with Kiambu AllStars at home while GFE 105 welcome KCB at Kipchoge Stadium. Western Stima hosts Fresha in the last match on Sunday.

In a related development, Gor Mahia midfielder Crispin Odula has been cleared to start playing for the club after acquiring his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

Odula was signed from Finish side FC Oulu during the June transfer window, but has not been able to play so far as he had not received his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). This has since been sorted and the player issued with the document making him available for this weekend’s GOtv shield match against Nairobi Stima.

 

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