Going gets tough: Tusker target Chemelil’s run as Gor host Muhoroni Youth

By GILBERT WANDERA

RIGHT: Tusker coach Francis Kimanzi and his Chemelil Sugar counterpart, Mike Mururi. [PHOTOS: FILE / STANDARD]

After nine weeks of Kenyan Premier League (KPL) action, Chemelil Sugar remain the only unbeaten side.

But Tusker coach Francis Kimanzi says this will count for nothing when the two sides meet at Ruaraka Stadium today in one of the matches lined up at different venues.

Apart from Chemelil, league champions Tusker were also unbeaten just two weeks ago until Sofapaka humbled them 4-2 at Machakos Municipal Stadium.

But speaking ahead of today’s match, Kimanzi said there are no prizes for remaining unbeaten and his side will go for all three points at home.

“This is competition where only the winners get the trophy. There is no reward for a team that has not lost. So the record means nothing,” he said.

Kimanzi also pointed out that despite remaining unbeaten, their opponents are still behind them and therefore such a status does not give them any advantage.

The brewers will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways and maintaining their position at the top of the log where they are currently placed with 17 points and are to become the first team to hit the 20-point mark.

At City Stadium, champions Gor Mahia will be chasing their third win in a row after beating KCB and Ulinzi Stars when they host in-form Muhoroni Youth.

Gor good run has pushed them to second place on the log and another win can easily push them to the top, especially if current leaders Tusker fail to overcome Chemelil Sugar at Ruaraka.

Muhoroni have never beaten Gor at City Stadium and even though coach Francis Barasa has predicted a tough match, it may just end up being a one-sided affair.

“Both sides are doing well and we therefore expect a tough match at City Stadium. My team is determined to continue with their good run stretching into five matches,” said Barasa.

Fresh from ending Tusker’s unbeaten run, Sofapaka will be keen to continue with their winning ways against Thika United at Nyayo.

The 2009 KPL champions have been blowing hot and cold, but must stop Thika United to keep their title hopes alive.

Danson Kago, who scored the league’s first hat-trick last Sunday, would want to continue in his scoring ways as he seeks to increase his tally.

After being fired by KCB one week ago, AFC Leopards assistant coach Abadalla Juma will be under pressure to start on a winning note as he guides the troubled side against Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium.

Leopards have picked only two wins since the season started but all is not lost for them if they can quickly bounce back to their winning ways starting Wednesday.

KCB travel to Afraha Stadium hoping to pick their first win of the season against Top Fry.

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