SHEDU KEEPS FAITH: New bankers tactician optimistic of finishing KPL first leg on good note

Newly installed KCB coach Rishadi Shedu, has admitted that the team’s fate  will be decided after the  two remaining matches of the first leg.

The bankers’ take on Sofapaka this Sunday at City Stadium  before winding up what has been a tough first leg, against Chemelil Sugar away next weekend.

KCB are currently among the bottom two teams on the log having picked just six points from 13 matches, and Shedu hopes they can pull themselves from this precarious position.

“From where we are, we have to start doing the calculations. Normally, you need slightly more than 30 points to survive against relegation. We are far from having those points and we understand that this two remaining matches will make a big difference to our fate.

“Our target is to pick at least four points from a possible six and build on that towards our goal. It will be a tall order if we don’t manage to collect this number of points,” he said ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

Weakest point

Shedu, who took over from Abdalla Juma three weeks ago, admitted that their weakest point had been the backline and this is proved by the fact that the team has conceded a record 22 goals.

It is a department he is hoping to strengthen in the on-going transfer window. “We have to bring in new legs in the defence to keep the back-line tight. This has been our main undoing and will make a huge difference in remaining matches.”

Sofapaka go into this match hoping to end the first leg in  the top three after a trying moment punctuated by complaints over unpaid salaries.

The club’s top midfielder Humphrey Mieno, has reportedly disengaged with the team after going three months without pay.

Today, Sony Sugar will be away to Ulinzi Stars at Afraha Stadium, with both teams also hoping for a better wrap to the first leg. The soldiers have been on a rise since bringing Robert Matano on board, and a top five finish will be a good reward for a no nonsense coach. Sony bounced back to winning ways after stopping KCB last weekend, and will be hoping to keep up the momentum.

A familiar battle will be played out at Meru Stadium on Sunday when Tusker host Mathare United. Tusker coach Francis Kimanzi won the KPL with Mathare United in 2008.

ticketing information

Meanwhile, ticketing information for the eagerly awaited ‘Mashemeji derby’ between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards tomorrow at Nyayo National Stadium, has been released, adds Rodgers Eshitemi.

According to Alfred Rafimbi, Operations Officer of Big Brother Events and Ticketing firm, a company contracted to handle the ticketing , there will be no selling of tickets in advance. “To avoid counterfeits, all tickets will go on sale on match day from 7am, and I urge fans to purchase the tickets from Big Brother branded vans only,” said Rafimbi.

Terrace and VIP tickets will go for Sh300 and Sh600 respectively. The tickets will be available at four selling points namely, City Stadium, Riadha House, Kenya Cinema and at the Nairobi West Stage next to Nyayo.

Fixtures: Today: Thika United v City Stars (City), Ulinzi Stars v Sony Sugar (Afraha). Tomorrow: Tusker v Mathare (Meru), Gor v AFC (Nyayo), KCB v Sofapaka (City), Muhoroni Youth v Top Fry (Muhoroni) and Bandari v Chemelil Sugar (Mbaraki).