Rangers dream of lifting trophy

By James Waini

Tusker’s stranglehold on the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) was broken on Sunday when Rangers FC deposed them as league leaders and comeback coach David Ouma declared they are in no mood to surrender the rare lead as the league starts to take shape.

Rangers, who were in fear of disintegrating at the beginning of the season after Kenya Postal Corporation of Kenya abruptly withdrew their Sh15 million sponsorship deal, snatched pole position with a deserved 2-1 win over troubled Nairobi City Stars, which opened a two point lead over Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo’s side with two matches to go before the league breaks.

Top five

"We targeted a top five finish by the end of the first leg, but we find ourselves perched at the top of the table with two matches to go in the first leg. I believe it is a reward for our hard work and commitment and now that we have the lead, we don’t intend to surrender it," said Ouma, who was returning after almost a two-month absence from the team’s technical bench.

He added: "I did not abandon the team when I was away for more than a month. I would like to clarify that apart from being Rangers’ coach, I am also a group manager at Mathare Youth Sport Association and we had to prepare three teams for the Norway Cup. I’m now back and want to win the league with Rangers."

This is the first time in the history of the league that Rangers have taken the lead and veteran midfielder Charles Okwemba now believes that they have what it takes to go all the way and clinch the title.

Last season after 13 matches, Rangers were staring at relegation, as they were placed 13th in the table, a stark comparison to their exploits this season.

Third-placed

"I believe we can only be better and this is a sign of better things to come. We are not going to disintegrate in the second leg," said assistant coach Michael Nam.

Tusker, however, have a match in hand as they did not kick a ball at the weekend and a win against Thika United in their next fixture, may change the equation and return them to the helm.

Third-placed KCB are now four points adrift of the leaders after tying 1-1 with champions Ulinzi who are fourth on 23 points.

The leaders’ last two matches favour them as they travel to Mombasa to face league whipping boys Bandari in their next fixture, before they host Western Stima at their favourite venue Nyayo Stadium where they are yet to lose a match this season.

Tusker still have to travel to Afraha Stadium to face champions Ulinzi after hosting Thika United.

Status quo at the bottom of the table remained with City Stars still firmly rooted at the bottom with a mere eight points, having won only two matches, drawn two and lost nine. Bandari are a point better, while Congo United which lost 1-0 away to Chemelil, have 10 points.