Surprise packages KCB and Rangers in high-octane clash at City Stadium

By James Waindi

KCB coach Leonard Saleh has said they are not in the mood to surrender their slight league advantage when his side meets third-placed Rangers FC in a top of the table clash at City Stadium, tomorrow.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) surprise leaders are having a dream season, leading the pack with 22 points from 10 matches and Saleh is out to ensure the fairy tale continues.

The fixture is certainly a must watch given the bankers have scored the highest number of goals in the league this season, while Rangers who are trailing them by a single point have conceded the least number of goals.

Rangers FC striker Oscar Olwith challenges Ulinzi Stars defender Collins Kisuya. [PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

"It is certainly going to be a tough match but also entertaining because both teams are in their best form and it will bring together two teams playing two different styles. We play more offensive and they play more defensive," said Saleh.

He added: "Last year at this level we were placed ninth in the table, so we are having a dream season at the moment and we are not prepared to drop points because we want to maintain the form."

MARAUDING FORWARDS

The bankers have been boosted by the return of striker Hussein Puzo from an ankle injury he sustained while playing against AFC Leopards on April 10, but will miss the services of midfielder Michael ‘Mzito’ Oyando who is suspended after being red carded against Mathare United last week.

Rangers coach Michael Nam vowed to tame the bankers’ marauding forwards, but noted whoever controls the midfield would carry the day.

"They have a good record, scoring 18 goals so far, but we are not any bad because we have scored 15 goals and our defence has conceded fewer goals. We are going to contain them and I believe we may have an edge over them on the counter because my players we are very fast," said Nam.

Rangers have been boosted by the return of their top scorer Kevin ‘Master’ Ochieng from trials in Vietnam, but will miss the services of custodian Lawrence Webo who suffered a head injury in their 2-1 win over Tusker last weekend and could be out of action for two weeks.

If Rangers win the match and Tusker lose to Nairobi City Stars today, the league dark horses would leap to the top of the table for the first time since they joined topflight football last season.

Meanwhile, City Stars’ coach Ken Odhiambo hopes to continue with his giant killing instincts when his side meets second placed Tusker this after noon at the Hope Centre, to lift them from the danger zone.