KPL Second leg begins

By GILBERT WANDERA

After a three-week break, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) resumes on Saturday with participating teams determined to finish off the season on a positive note.

Troubled AFC Leopards face a huge task when they play away to former champions Sofapaka on Saturday at City Stadium.

Leopards coach Luc Eymael, who is back in the country from a week-long holiday, said they are determined to improve and finish the season on a good footing after a troubled time.

“Before the league went on a break, our play had improved tremendously and we intend to build on that and make it better. More importantly however, we want to collect more points on the way and ensure we finish the league in a good position on the standings,” he sad.

Eymael will however be without key defender Anthony Kimani who is set to undergo an operation after he was injured in the team’s last match against Mathare United.

Ruled out

“Kimani has been ruled out for one month but we have adequate cover because Eric Masika is coming back and Martin Imbalambala is also available.

“It is in the midfield where we are incapacitated and may be forced to recall back Patrick Ongoma to help us,” he said.

Ongoma has been loaned out to fellow KPL side Homeboyz.

In another match to be played on Saturday, former champions Ulinzi Stars will be at home to welcome high flying Nairobi City Stars.

The soldiers have blown hot and cold generally struggling even to win at home.

After the match at Afraha Stadium, Ulinzi will travel to Azerbijan for the World Military games and will be using their match against City Stars to pick a traveling squad.

City Stars boast a giant killing  reputation, meaning they are capable of coming back with a positive result.

League champions Tusker travel to Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday to take on Kakamega Homeboyz while Gor Mahia take on Karuturi Sports at Afraha Stadium.

Elsewhere, Nairobi City Stars have expressed concern over the absence of two of their key players  Bruno Sserunkuma and Ken Tumusime who are yet to resume training one week after the rest of the squad came back.

City Stars chairman Peter Jabuya has warned that the club may be forced to drop the two on disciplinary grounds and pointed out that their conduct is wanting.

“The two promised to be back by last week but one week later we have not seen them and neither have they communicated about their where-bouts. We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior because it is affecting our plans,” he said.

Jabuya has also assured that the team is not facing a crisis following the expected departure of head coach Bye Wadda.

The Gambian flies out next Monday after being incharge of the Kawangware-based side since the season started.

“There is no cause for concern because we have put measures in place to ensure a smooth transition. Currently we are talking to different people to take over the club and at the right time we will have the right person incharge,” Jabuya insisted.