By Gilbert Wandera
Tusker will eye to occupy second spot position on the Kenyan Premier League log when they clash against Sofapaka in tonight’s match at Nyayo National Stadium.
With AFC Leopards enjoying a slim unassailable lead at the top at least for the next one week, the focus will be to close in on the second spot. Already Gor Mahia have jumped to third after dispatching Sony Sugar 1-0 on Sunday.
Tusker, the KPL champions, will displace Gor if they beat Sofapaka tonight and will also enhance their chances of retaining the title.
It is a familiar battle for Tusker coach Robert Matano, who three years ago, led Sofapaka to win their first ever league title. It was also their first year at the top-flight competition.
Matano found himself back in the KPL after he replaced sacked Sammy Omollo at the Ruaraka based side. He will be under pressure to record the team’s first victory under him considering that so far he has picked two points out of a possible six in the last two fixtures with barren draws against Ulinzi Stars and AFC Leopards.
Confidence boost
Matano has in a short period of time managed to inject some confidence in his players and the result could be seen tonight in this top of the bill clash.
Nigerian import Joseph Emeka has become more regular in the Tusker forward since Matano joined the team but he is yet to repay the coach trust in him with goals. Wednesday should be his day and netting against Sofapaka will be a big confidence boost going ahead.
While Tusker have been struggling to score, they do very well in midfield where Joshua Oyoo and Peter Opiyo always dictate terms and will be crucial against such strong opposition.
Hold the edge
Sofapaka won the first leg fixture 1-0 when the two teams met in April at Nyayo Stadium and will be keen to continue with their winning ways.
Just like Tusker, Sofapaka have been struggling on the local scene and the last time they won a KPL match was on July 28 against Thika United, away.
It was a convincing 4-1 victory that is yet to be repeated again and a win over the KPL defending champions will be a major motivation going forward.
Sofapaka have the men to guide them to victory. John Barasa the current league top scorer has proved to be dangerous in matches of this calibre and he thrives at such big stages.
Humphrey Mieno one of the top midfielders in the country is another asset for Sofapaka as well as goalkeeper Duncun Ochieng and Edgar ‘Fighter’ Ochieng in defence.
Meanwhile, Former Tusker chairman Philip Omondi says the local federation should seek to empower local coaches instead of hiring foreign coaches like Henri Michel when team form deeps.
“The federation needs to do a lot for our local coaches like organise for relevant courses that will improve their skills,” he said.
