A HELPING HAND: Top Fry hires Nick Yakhama to avoid relegation, Muhoroni come calling

Top Fry assistant coach Nick Yakhama during their KPL match against Gor Mahia at City Stadium on July 16. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO]

Struggling Nakuru Top Fry, who have confirmed former international Nick Yakhama as joint head coach, face Muhoroni Youth today hoping the appointment will help the new-comers beat off relegation at the end of this season.

Yakhama has been at the club for two months helping Peter Okidi and his experience has been a major boost for the youthful side.

The former international’s experience helped AFC Leopards on at least two occasions before. Top Fry are in a must-win situation if they hope to survive relegation.

The team have had a tremendous improvement in their last three matches, but a 1-0 loss to champions Gor Mahia two weeks ago was a major set-back they will be trying to bounce back from today.

Top Fry have been playing well in most of their matches, but are let down by poor finishing. It is something they have to change as they host Muhoroni this afternoon. Teddy Siwa is one of the team’s most dependable players and will be looked upon for goals.

Muhoroni Youth coach Francis Barasa has declared his side is going for a win at Afraha Stadium.

“The league has reached a critical stage and from now every match counts. We are going for all maximum points away,” he said.

Muhoroni Youth have been struggling of late and have not won since the second leg kicked off and Barasa has pointed out that victory today is crucial for his side.

After picking a crucial 2-0 win away to Mathare United, Ulinzi Stars face Nairobi City Stars in another match set for Afraha Stadium today.

Ulinzi coach Robert Matano says his side is back in line for the title chase.

“The consistency is back and we are determined to keep it that way even as we face City Stars at home. If we keep on winning, we are capable of fighting for the title,” he said.

Elsewhere, Mathare United coach Stanley Okumbi has asked the club management to change their homeground from Machakos Municipal Stadium to Nairobi.

Okumbi said they have not reaped any advantage by playing at their adopted homeground and believes this may even have affected their performance.

“When you have a homeground advantage, it is supposed to help you win matches. This has not been the case with us considering the distance and the fact we hardly train at the venue.

“I have asked the club management to consider a change of the homeground to somewhere nearer. Travelling sometimes affects our performance,” he said.

United take on KCB at City Stadium today hoping to recover from their latest setback.

FIXTURES:

Saturday: KCB V Mathare United-City Stadium (3pm); Ulinzi Stars v Nairobi City Stars-2.00pm; Top Fry Nakuru v Muhoroni Youth - Afraha (4.15pm);

Sunday 27 July: AFC Leopards V Gor Mahia - Nyayo (3pm) Chemelil Sugar v Sony Sugar - Chemelil (3pm); Western Stima V Sofapaka - Mumias (3pm) Thika United Vs KRA - Thika (3pm); Bandari V Tusker - Mombasa (3pm)