By GILBERT WANDERA
Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker have a chance to stretch their lead at the top of the standings when they play Rangers today at City Stadium.
This is the only match on offer as the league has taken a one-week break after its resumption last weekend.
This week was reserved for the FKF Cup competition hence there were no matches in the fixtures, but Football Kenya Federation is yet to come up with a format for running the tournament.
According to KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda, Tusker’s matches have been brought forward since they will participate in this year’s regional club championships in Tanzania.
“We do not want them to have a huge backlog of matches when they come back and so we will try and bring forward some of their matches so that they don’t have to strain,” said Oguda.
In doing this KPL is trying to deal with a perennial problem that has always affected its fixtures whenever some teams travel out of the country for international competitions.
Last year, a row erupted over Ulinzi’s decision to participate in the World Millitary games and had to miss some of their fixtures, which were later rescheduled.
Back to the pitch, Tusker look in great shape to collect all three points against Rangers especially after they hit struggling side Oserian 3-1 last Sunday at Kasarani.
It is a match Tusker coach Sammy Omollo understands they must win considering his side ties with second-placed Sofapaka on points though the brewers enjoy a better goal advantage.
The return of striker Dennis Mukaisi from injury is no doubt a great motivation for the brewers and his two goals on return gives him a lot of motivation facing a more formidable Rangers side.
Tusker coach was full of praise for Mukaisi after a brilliant match against Oserian.
“He is always impressive even when half fit. We are yet to see the best of him this season due to injury but he will be there when we need him,” he said.
For Rangers coach James Nandwa it is another meeting with his former club. Tusker won the first leg 3-1.
