Football: Sofapaka face champs Tusker in Top-8 tourney

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Models line up with draws of the KPL Top-8 teams. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Tusker FC will be seeking  to defend the Kenya Premier League (KPL) Top-8 title when the tournament kicks off on April 5 in Nairobi.

Tusker Chief Executive Officer Charles Obin said nothing will stop them from retaining the silverware because they have good players.

good run

“We currently have depth in the team. It is our hope that this good run will be maintained. Our fear are injuries. We are hopeful that all will be well,” said Obin during the tournament draw held yesterday.

Tusker, who are looking forward to hosting their first ever match at Meru’s Kinoru Stadium on May 11, have been paired against the Kenya Power Charity Cup champions Sofapaka. The two will battle in the quarterfinals in the knock-out format competition. KPL champs, Gor Mahia, who won the title in 2012 will battle Thika United.

GOtv winners AFC Leopards are paired against Bandari while KCB will want to grab the title as they start the campaign against 2011 winners Ulinzi Stars.

“We will strive to win the (Top-8) title again this year,” said Ulinzi Stars’ Joe Birgen.

KPL boss Jack Oguda said the semi-finals will be played on a home and away basis. All gate collections in the tournament will be used to fund the forthcoming KPL Under-19 championships.

“The 2013 edition of Top-8  raised Sh1.3 million. We pumped this into the Under-19 tourney. We are hopeful that more revenue will be realised this year to make the youth tournament successful,” said Oguda.

KPL and Gor Mahia Chairman, Ambrose Rachier, said he is glad youth football is receiving the required attention. Nyayo, Kisumu and Machako stadia will host the tournament.

making arrangements

Football Kenya Federation vice chairman Robert Asembo said the federation is making arrangements for the successful hosting of the  matches.