Mathare and Thika United have a lot in common. Apart from the fact that both sides have developed from community initiatives from their base, they also have a policy of maintaining youthful squads.
They remain among the teams that have never tested relegation from the top league. There is always a lot to expect whenever the two sides meet. You can always be sure of entertaining football all through the 90 minutes and so today should be no exception when the two clash in the first of two Kenyan Premier League (KPL) double headers at Nyayo National Stadium. What makes the fixture exciting is the contrasting forms, which the two clubs enjoy at the moment. Mathare United are cruising in good calm waters after hitting Karuturi Sports 3-1 in one of the league’s surprising results.
After that win, Mathare United go into today’s fixture with motivation and a desire to repeat the same feat.
It was a great result for the slum boys who have been having it rough since winning the league in 2008. The first leg of the league was particularly challenging for United but last weekend’s win should change all that.
One player who seems to have found his form with the rise of Mathare United is Francis Ouma. He has been scoring at will and remains coach Stanley Okumbi’s best option upfront.
Thika United on the other front wants to shrug off last weekend’s loss to Nairobi City Stars. They are stuck in the turbulent waters as they attempt to bounce back after a good start to the season.
Kepha Aswani has been quite for too long with no goals to count and today’s match is a perfect opportunity to grab the headlines again. The second match should equally be exciting as Sofapaka will be attempting to catch up with leaders Tusker when they take on Muhoroni Youth at 7.30pm.
Sofapaka, the 2009 champions, go into this match on the back of a 1-0 loss against AFC Leopards last week and will be determined to shake it off to keep in touch with the leaders.
Top striker John Barasa was largely lost playing against Leopards but he still remains the best option for goals. Barasa scored twice when Sofapaka beat Muhoroni Youth 2-0 in the first leg and so he finds himself in familiar territory. Apart from Barasa, other key players in the Sofapaka side is influential Humphrey Mieno.
Muhoroni Youth may be struggling after promising so much at the beginning of the season but they can still not be underrated if you consider the fact that they won some big matches in Nairobi previously including a 1-0 win over Gor Mahia.
By GILBERT WANDERA
