EYEING SILVERWARE: Soldiers hope to bag GOtv Shield Cup as Tusker face KCB in semi-final

Ulinzi FC Celebrate a goal during their Sportpesa premier league match against Tusker FC at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, on saturday, Feb 20, 2016. PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD.

Ulinzi Stars stand-in coach Benjamin Nyangweso has admitted that the team’s chances of winning the Kenyan Premier League are slimmer after losing to Chemelil Sugar last weekend.

Nyangweso has said the team will now put all their efforts on winning the GOtv Shield which remains their only hope for silverware this season.

But first, the soldiers must get past second tier side Kariobangi Sharks in today’s semi-final match at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru.

“As regards the KPL, we will fight to the end of the season but we have to admit that our chances are now slim after last weekend’s loss. It was a disappointment to lose especially after creating so many chances and failing to score.

“Now, we have to put that disappointment behind us and focus on the GOtv Shield. This is a chance to win a trophy this season and we will fight hard to achieve that. It is a tough path though but we have to keep the focus,” he said.

With five matches to go before the season ends, Ulinzi are currently sixth with 37 points. This is 11 points adrift of leaders Tusker.

The soldiers were hoping to do better this season after finishing in the runners-up position last year.

For today’s match, Nyangweso is expecting to field a full strength squad with James Saruni starting in goal and John Makwata leading the onslaught for goals.

Ulinzi will also have the added motivation of trying to win a trophy they are still waiting to put in their cabinet. The soldiers have won the KPL four times and the KPL Top-8 once. The GOtv Shield is elusive so far.

Kariobangi Sharks coach William Kanu Muluya is unfazed by the pedigree of their opponents. His confidence stems from the fact that they edged out defending champions Bandari on post-match penalties two weeks ago.

“This is a normal fixture for us. We are not afraid of our opponents because we are used to playing against teams in the KPL in friendly matches and so we remain positive about our chances,” he said.

Muluya will be keen to make history by taking the team to the finals and he has the players to do it. Ibrahim Kitawi looks sharp upfront and will be key in helping his side navigate past the soldiers.

The second semi-final match will be between Tusker and KCB. The brewers are chasing a double as they are favourites to win the KPL title while the bankers will be out to prove something after being relegated from the top league last season.