By GILBERT WANDERA
AFC Leopards coach Jaan Koops says the team’s next two matches will make or break their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title ambition.
Koops admitted ahead of Saturday clash against Western Stima in Nakuru that it would be difficult for them to win the league if they do not pick maximum points in their next two matches.
After playing Stima, Leopards will face archrivals Gor Mahia and the coach believes these two matches will decide their destiny. “The next two matches are crucial for us in as so far as our title ambition is concerned and will determine a lot for us. If we do not win, it would be difficult to lift the title,” said Koops.
Leopards have already travelled to Mumias Sugar hoping to have maximum concentration for the next two fixtures.
Koops said he believes the players would rise to the occasion given the seriousness of their remaining assignments.
“I have spoken to my players and they understand quite well that we must win our next two fixtures starting this weekend in Nakuru. Everyone is focused and hungry to win and this makes my work as a coach simple,” he said.
Koops insisted that they are not under pressure especially as their lead at the top has been cut to just two points by Gor Mahia who moved to second position after overcoming Sony Sugar 1-0 on Sunday.
“There is tension obviously in the team because everybody realises the need to urgently post good results and maintain our lead at the top.
“This is good for the team because it will motivate us to win knowing very well that if we don’t, our opponents can catch up with us.
“I would not say this is being under pressure which in the first place is very normal and can happen even at the beginning of the season,” Koops said.
He further added that he was not surprised by the resurgence of Gor who at one time were 14 points behind Leopards pointing out that he had warned his side this was bound to happen.
“I knew Gor would do as well as they have done and I told my team so. It is not surprising how fast they have risen because they kept on winning their matches especially towards the end of the first leg while some of us dropped important points,” he said.
Koops insisted he is not focused on Gor Mahia pointing out that at this point all the top five teams are capable of winning the title and are a threat to Leopards.
“We are not just concerned about Gor Mahia catching up with us but also Tusker and Sofapaka who are capable of doing it,” said Koops.
Leopards will travel to Nakuru on Friday just a day before the crucial match against Stima.
