Muhoroni's Mission

By GILBERT WANDERA

Muhoroni Youth coach Alfred Imonje is hoping for another giant killing moment when his side host Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Tusker this afternoon.

The league’s newcomers registered a major upset two weeks ago when they stopped Gor Mahia 1-0 at the Nyayo National Stadium and Imonje hopes his boys can repeat the same today.

"We have our fans here and my intention is to make them happy by winning against Tusker. We have prepared well and looking forward to collect all three points at home," said Imonje.

Reminded about Tusker’s good away record last season and the fact that they won most of their matches out of Nairobi, the former AFC Leopards coach said: "That record belongs to them and we are not bothered by it. This is a game of football and anything can happen."

Imonje admits that the league is getting tougher but is happy that his players are experienced enough to weather the strong storms in the competition.

Muhoroni Youth will be hoping that Geoffrey Simiyu who scored when they beat Gor is in good shape and can repeat the performance today as they face up against the KPL champions.

The new boys in the KPL go into today’s fixture desperately in need of victory after going down 1-0 to Chemelil in a sugar belt derby last weekend.

Tusker coach Sammy Omollo is happy that his side can now focus on defending the title they won last season after being eliminated from the Caf Champions League by APR of Rwanda.

With just one win so far, the brewers must put their title ambitions back on track and will not be encouraged by the fact that they lost 1-0 to Western Stima two weeks ago in Bukhungu.

"Getting out of the CAF Champions League was a blessing in disguise for us. It frees us to concentrate on the local league, which is getting tougher as the weeks go by. We must catch up immediately or risk being left by the other teams," said Tusker coach Sammy Omollo ahead of today’s clash.

The team is welcoming back towering defender Joseph Shikokoti who has been away for trials in Armenia.

Shikokoti will be a key pillar in the Tusker defence given his height and experience. Brian Mandela is another key defender for the brewers and upfront Dennis Mukaisi and Obadiah Ndege should be in top form to give them goals.

On the flanks, Paul Were is expected to do what he does best-create chances for the strikers to score.

Today’s match is a make-up fixture as the KPL tries to be up to date with the fixtures as they had to postpone several matches to allow Harambee Stars more time to train for last week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo in Nairobi.