KRA, Top Fry ready for KPL: Challenge for Kenyatta, Page as they launch title campaign

By GILBERT WANDERA

It will be a baptism of fire for the new comers as the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) 2014 season kicks-off this weekend.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Nakuru Top Fry will be away this weekend against tough opposition. They are hopeful for positive results, just to pass the message that they are to be taken seriously.

Ken Kenyatta, the KRA coach, will be hoping to pick maximum points against Bandari away on Saturday even as Top Fry would love to leave a sour taste in the mouth of Sony Sugar in their expedition away in Awendo. The KRA coach remains optimistic of a positive start despite the challenges of failing to sign quality players at the beginning of this season.

“I have a lot of faith in my players. They helped us qualify for the top league and I believe they will get us off to a positive start,” he said.

Kenyatta is also not disturbed by the pedigree of Bandari’s chal lenge, who finished in an impressive sixth position last season. It was was also Bandari’s first show after promotion.

“I have played in this league before and we understand all the teams will be up against. I do not fear anyone and will try and get positive results both at home and away,” he added.

KRA qualified to the KPL after more than five years of false starts and will hope the experience will come in handy at this crucial time.

The tax men will meet Bandari who are hungry for success after a good outing last year with coach Twahir Muhiddin.

“We can only do better this season despite losing our key players,” said Muhiddin.

The Mombasa based team lost midfielder Shaban Kenga to champions Gor Mahia but were quick to replace him with experienced Kepha Aswani.

For Nakuru Top Fry, a good start will be paramount especially following the controversy surrounding their promotion to the top league.

The team has not recruited any big names but have a big name in coach Oliver Page, who is on his second stint in the KPL.

Page first handled Nairobi City Stars in 2009 but did not last long and was forced to leave the club after just a few months due to lack of payment.

This time round, Page has the whole season ahead of him to make his mark.

Awendo is a harsh hunting ground as the sugar millers will be looking to start well and avoid the challenges of struggling to survive at the end of the season.

KPL Fixtures:
Saturday
Western Stima v Mathare United (Mumias Complex)
Sony Sugar v Top Fry Nakuru (Awendo)
Muhoroni Youth v Sofapaka (Muhoroni)
Ulinzi Stars v Chemelil Sugar (Afraha)
Sunday
Bandari v KRA (Mbaraki Sports ground)
Thika United v Tusker (City Stadium)