How Kenyan clubs ran the SportPesa Cup show
Football
By
Ernest Ndunda in Dar es Salaam
| Jan 29, 2019
Minnows had a memorable outing as the 2019 Sportpesa Cup tournament ended on Sunday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Against all odds and probably expectations, Kenyan Premier League sides Kariobangi Sharks and Bandari were in top form as they rewrote the record books.
The tournament marked the beginning of the end for the so-called four big teams in Kenya and Tanzania as the hitherto little-known teams paraded their “A” game to shine in the regional eight-team tournament.
Impressive performance by Bandari and Kariobangi Sharks was a massage that the tournament, which marked its third year, is no longer a preserve for Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Simba and Yanga; the four greatest teams in Kenya and Tanzania.
The four heavyweights where a shadow of themselves especially the two-time winners Gor Mahia, who were eliminated in the quarter-final by underdogs Mbao of Mwanza, Tanzania.
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K’Ogalo lost on penalties after the Kenyan league champions failed to kill the game in regular time.
Performances by Bandari and Sharks will leave a mark in the annual tourney. Sharks carried the day after winning 1-0 in the final that was graced by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as well as other top Kenyan government officials.
The two finalists also dominated in the prize awards with Abuya Duke of Sharks winning the golden boots after scoring two goals.
Bandari’s William Wardi was named the tournament’s best player, while Mbao’s goalkeeper Metacha Mnata took home the Golden gloves award.
Interestingly, Bandari and Sharks are unbeaten in the Sportpesa Premier League and for them to qualify for the final proved they are focused on also conquering at home.
Both Bandari and Kariobangi Sharks coaches believe the exposure they gained in the tournament will be an added advantage in their premier league campaign.
Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala said his boys have gained enough confidence.
His Kariobangi Sharks counterpart William Muluya praised his boys for a job well done.
“The boys have shown maturity and this will enable them perform better in the domestic league,” said Muluya, after leading his side to victory on Sunday.
New rules were also witnessed in the tournament where five substitutes were allowed for every team.