Preview: AFC Leopards face a tricky trip to Mombasa as Ulinzi Stars welcome Sofapaka in Kericho

Elvis Rupia (L) of AFC Leopards SC and Andrew Juma of Gor Mahia FC during their FKF Premier League Match at the MISC, Kasarani stadium on February 7, 2021.[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Newly appointed AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems will be hoping for a winning debut in the FKF Premier League when Ingwe clash with Bandari in Mombasa today.

Though Ingwe are enjoying a fine run of form, it will not be a walk in the park for them if their recent away record against the resurgent Bandari is anything to go by.

In addition, AFC Leopards’ preparation for the coastal trip has been marred by reports of players’ go slow over unpaid salaries.

But the Belgian expects his troops to draw motivation from last weekend's 6-0 emphatic victory over lower-tier side Taiva Taveta AllStars in a Betway Cup tie.

Interestingly, the 3 pm match will see the Docker’s coach Cassa Mbungo face his former club AFC Leopards for the first time since parting ways with them in December 2019.

The Rwandese appears to have stabilised the dockers’ ship as he has only lost once (3-1 against Gor Mahia) in his opening five matches in charge.

But today’s fixture not only provides a perfect chance for Mbungo to prove a point against his former club, but also an opportunity for the seventh-placed Bandari (16 points) to go level on 19 points with Leopards.

Another exciting encounter today will see Ulinzi Stars come head to head with Sofapaka in Kericho as they seek to extend their unbeaten run to eleven games.

The two sides are level on 14 points, but the soldiers are eighth on the log courtesy of a superior goal difference.

Tomorrow, Nzoia Sugar host title-chasing KCB at Sudi Stadium while Kakamega Homeboyz travels to neighbouring Kisumu County to battle with Abdallah Juma’s Western Stima at Moi Stadium.