AFC Leopards anxious to win

By Gilbert Wandera

AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops has admitted that his side is under pressure to win Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match against Ulinzi at the Mumias Complex.

Koops said they cannot afford anything less than a win in their four remaining matches, starting on Saturday. He adds that this is putting them under extreme pressure.

“With four matches to the end of the season, we cannot afford a draw or a loss because this will put us out of the title race.  We understand that even Ulinzi are in a similar situation because they want to finish in a top position and this sets the stage for a tough match,” he said.

Koops said they do not even draw inspiration from their 2-0 win over the soldiers in the first leg insisting that at this stage it does not count.

“There is no easy match right now, as the season goes to the wire. Everyone wants to win and it does not matter how you played in the first leg.

“However, my players understand what is expected of them and are ready to do their best to ensure that we get a good result on Saturday,” he said.

Koops will be hoping that his top strikers Allan Wanga, Mike Barasa and Jimmy Bagaye are in top form to ensure they score goals at home.

Ulinzi Stars coach Sammy Simiyu has revealed his team is eying a top three finish and are not in the mood to drop points against Leopards on Saturday.

“We may be out of contention for the title but we remain focussed on a top three finish,” he said.

At the top of the log, Tusker will be hoping to extend their lead when they face Muhoroni Youth at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Saturday.

Tusker are at the top of the standings on 51 points and a win will push them further towards their title ambition.

Coach Robert Matano was handed a two year contract this week giving him the motivation to continue winning in their quest for a back to back title.

Ken Wendo, Patrick Kagogo and Joshua Oyoo are the key men to lead Tusker on Saturday. Muhoroni too need victory to stay away from relegation and will therefore give their best against the brewers.

At City Stadium on Saturday, Gor Mahia will be hoping to keep tabs on Tusker when they host Karuturi Sports this afternoon.

Gor pose the most serious threat to Tusker’s ambitions and a win for them will add the more pressure on the leaders who cannot afford to drop any point at this stage of the competition.

 

Fixtures:

Saturday:

Tusker v Muhoroni Youth (Kasarani),

AFC Leopards v  Ulinzi (Mumias),

Mathare Utd v Oserian (City-2pm),

Gor Mahia v Karuturi (City-4pm).

Sony v Chemelil (Awendo) City Stars v KCB (Hope Centre).

Sunday:

Thika Utd v Western Stima (Thika)

Rangers v Sofapaka (City).

All matches kick off at 3pm unless