Bandari seek to close gap on Tusker and KK Homeboyz

Bandari's Abdallah Hassan (left) and John Njuguna of Tusker during their FKF PL match at Ruaraka Grounds in February. [Jonah Onyango]

Bandari will be seeking to close the gap between them and joint leaders Tusker and Kakamega Homeboyz when they host Sofapaka in a crucial FKF Premier League match at Mbaraki Sports Club, Mombasa today.

The dockers are currently third on the standings with 54 points, three points behind Tusker and Homeboyz who are tied on 57 points and separated on goal difference.

Victory against Sofapaka will see Bandari move level on points with the joint leaders who play tomorrow.

To ensure they get the desired result, Mombasa-based club has announced free entry for fans into the stadium.

After dropping two-vital points last weekend against Ulinzi Stars in Kericho, Bandari head coach Anthony Kimani said they will be banking not only on their eight-match unbeaten run but also support from their fans.

“It was painful to drop points against Ulinzi considering the opportunities we had but that is football. Now we focus on the game today which have to win and keep believing,” said Kimani.

“We have been playing very well and all we have to do is continue getting the wins, end the season on a winning note and see how it will play out.”

Kimani appears to have turned around the fortunes of the club since succeeding his former boss Andre Casa Mbungo who was shown the door in February.

Since taking over, Kimani has only lost once in the 15 games in charge which came in a 2-1 defeat against Nairobi City Stars.

Kimani has won nine games and drawn four in their march towards the title.

Other matches today will see Kariobangi Sharks host Ulinzi Stars at Kasarani Annex as Posta Rangers take on Wazito.

Tomorrow, defending champions Tusker will resume their battle to retain the title after a two weeks break with a match against Bidco United.

Tusker are currently top of the log with 57 points by virtue of a better goal difference against Homeboyz.

The brewers are unbeaten in their last 19 matches and will be banking on the 14-day break to defeat Bidco. Homeboyz on the other hand will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways when they travel to play FC Talanta who handed them their first defeat of the season earlier in January.

Homeboyz blew away the chance to go three points clear after losing 2-0 to rivals AFC Leopards in the Ingo derby played last Sunday in Kakamega.

Fresh from winning the Madaraka Day Cup on Wednesday, record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will entertain Nzoia Sugar, AFC Leopards host Nairobi City Stars and relegation-threatened Vihiga Bullets face Kenya Police.