FKF Premier League Preview: Nzoia coach Shikanda warns Tusker ahead of Kasarani date

Nzoia Sugar coach Ibrahim Shikanda. [File]

Nzoia Sugar coach Ibrahim ‘Bura’ Shikanda promises FKF Premier League leaders Tusker a difficult game when the two sides clash at Kasarani Annex on Tuesday.

Though the brewers are considered favourites as they are currently enjoying an 11-game unbeaten run, the former Kenyan international is determined to end his former club’s good run.

Shikanda appears to have stabilised the ship at the millers if the recent results since he took over the team early last month are anything to go by.

He has recorded mixed results (three wins, one draw and two losses) hence lifting Nzoia out of the relegation zone.

Last weekend’s surprising 2-1 win against title-chasing KCB saw the millers go level on 14 points with joint 10th-placed Sofapaka and Kakamega Homeboyz.

Wazito FC's Eric Otieno (left) and Christopher Oruchum during FKF Premier League at Kasarani Stadium. Feb 5, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

And having featured for the brewers, who opened a four-point gap at the summit (29) with a convincing 4-1 victory over Posta Rangers, Shikanda has issued a warning.

“Of course, I have a lot of respect for Tusker and their experienced technical bench, but that doesn’t mean we fear them,” Shikanda said.

“They are currently in a good form, but they should know that we have come to Nairobi for business and not holiday. I feel it will not be an easy game for both teams. But with the preparation we have had, I believe we are capable of breaking their unbeaten run. We are going to give them a hard time.”

It will be a fixture of familiar foes with the Tusker trio of Luke Namanda, Hillary Wandera and Vincent Ngesa all facing their former club.

In another match today, Bandari welcome unpredictable Vihiga United in Mombasa.

Tomorrow will see wounded AFC Leopards tackle Ulinzi Stars in a battle for the top four at Kasarani as Sofapaka and KCB both seek to bounce back from their weekend’s defeats when they clash in Wundanyi.

Wazito will seek to narrow the gap with win over Mathare United.