Koops bottles Tusker

AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops.

By Gilbert Wandera

AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops says the title chase is now between his club and archrivals Gor Mahia.

Koops said defending champions Tusker have fallen out of the title race after going down 1-0 to Gor last Sunday at City Stadium.

“As I said last week, it would have been impossible to stop Tusker from winning the league if they had collected three points against Gor. Since they failed to do that, it is difficult for them to win the league because they have some tough matches ahead.

“In my opinion, the title race will now be between Leopards and Gor Mahia as we head to our last two matches,” he said.

Tusker, the defending champions, are second on the log with 54 points like third-placed Leopards.

They face Western Stima on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, hoping to get back to the top of the log.

They finish off against relegation-threatened Nairobi City Stars on November 10.

The brewers have to win both matches and hope that Gor falters to help them retain the title, which they won last year.

Koops said even though Gor and Leopards may have an advantage in the title chase, they also have difficult matches.

Gor face relegation-threatened side Muhoroni Youth on Sunday, while Leopards host high riding Mathare United on Saturday.

Gor will then wind up the season at City Stadium against Thika United with Leopards travelling to Chemelil on the last day of the season.

“Muhoroni are likely to give Gor a difficult time considering that they are fighting to remain in the top league next season.  It will not be a walk in the park for Gor despite their advantage.

“In our case, we face an improved United side and we are expecting a tough match, but we have the quality and morale to pick a win,” he said.

Koops said at the moment, his team is enjoying one of their best forms in the league considering their performance in recent matches.

“Twice we have come from a goal down to win matches and this shows you the quality and morale we have in the team. We are at our peak and look forward to finish the season with a bang,” added Koops.

Leopards who find themselves in third position had a good start to the season and at one point enjoyed a 14-point gap lead at the top but in recent times let go and allowed Gor and Tusker to overtake them.

“It is normal to have such kind of a performance. Every team has gone through a rough patch and we are no different,” said Koops.