Tusker seek to silence Ulinzi Stars, Bandari welcome leaders Rangers

By James Waindi

With the mid-season approaching, stakes in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) have been raised, as teams battle to ensure commendable positions by the time the league takes a break.

Six matches have been lined-up for the weekend after the league took a break last weekend to pave way for Harambee Stars’ Africa Nations Cup qualifier.

Champions Ulinzi Stars have a tricky date with Tusker at Afraha Stadium, a match that could shape the league in the remaining matches, and both sides are worried of each other.

Tusker’s coach Sammy Omollo expects a tough day in office, but believes their impressive away record would give them a psychological advantage as they seek to pick three points at Afraha stadium.

The brewers are yet to beat Ulinzi since April 9, 2009 and Omollo believes if they manage to break Ulinzi jinx it would be a good indication that they can go all the way to win the title.

Maximum Points

"We expect a tough match because Ulinzi has never been an easy team, last year they drew 1-1 with Tusker in Nairobi before winning the second leg 1-0 in Nakuru. "We plan to get maximum points from them this time, but we know it is not going to be an easy feat," said Omollo.

A win for Tusker, who are currently second, would take them to 29 points from 13 matches and could see them return to the helm of the table depending on how surprise leaders Rangers play away to Bandari. For Ulinzi, a win would propel them to third position tied on points with Tusker on 26.

Ulinzi coach Benjamin Nyangweso was full of praise for the brewers, saying they are among the best teams in the league this season and dismissed any suggestions they are favourites because they are the hosts.

"Tusker are not in top two by default, they are very good. We expect a tough match, but our objective is to finish the first leg in the top three," said Nyangweso. Tusker have been boosted by the return to full fitness of their main striker George Midenyo from an ankle injury, but would miss the services of defender Jockins Atudo who is suspended.

Ulinzi are, however, full house after the return of their skipper Stephen Ocholla, midfielder George Oyoo, defender George Otieno and goalkeeper Francis Ochieng who is back after recovering from a fractured finger.

"I’m disappointed that I would not be having our new signing Ibrahim Kitawi for the match because his papers are not yet in order, but I would have loved to have his services," said Omollo.