Spotlight as he faces former employer Chemelil

By GILBERT WANDERA

AFC Leopards coach Nick Yakhama will be a man under the spotlight when his side faces Chemelil Sugar in one of the two Kenyan Premier League (KPL) fixtures in Nairobi today.

Brought in to replace fired Robert Matano, Yakhama is yet to win over the impatient Leopards’ fans.

Last weekend was particularly bad for Yakhama as he watched his team torn apart by Thika United who won 2-0 in Mumias in what should have been a homecoming of sorts for him as Leopards have adopted the ground for some of their home ties.

Today’s fixture is particularly interesting for Yakhama, who until three weeks ago was the man in charge at Chemelil Sugar before the two parted ways due to a poor run in the league.

Perhaps the familiarity with his former club should give him an advantage on the tactical side for it is unlikely that the team could have changed their format of play so quickly.

Ahead of today’s fixture, team captain Nicholas Muyoti has promised his team will get back to their winning ways. In a meeting with club officials the team captain admitted they did not give their best during Thika United clash, but will overcome the loss.

Of concern to Leopards is the lack of goals by Congolese striker Itubu Imbem, who has scored just once this season.

The Congolese was the club’s top scorer last season, but is yet to get the same form.

For Chemelil coach Edward Manoah, this is his second match in charge since taking over at the club two weeks ago.

He managed just a point at home after holding defending champions Ulinzi last weekend in a barren draw.

Chemelil strikers need to overcome their lack of sharpness upfront and must learn to put away every chance that comes their way.