Who will survive? City Stars scheme to empty KCB vault in battle to remain in top flight football

KCB's Benedict Owuor challenges Kevin Ochieng of Nairobi City Stars during their first leg clash at the City Stadium. The two teams meet today at the same venue. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

The battle against relegation moves to City Stadium today with likely candidates Nairobi City Stars and KCB battling it out at the venue.

There is just six points separating the two sides with City Stars looking better off in 14th spot on 18 points while the bankers are at the bottom with 12 points.

KCB coach Rishadi Shedu says their main target is to overtake City Stars in the standings as this will help them survive against relegation.

“Our biggest worry is City Stars. If we are able to overtake them then, we should be fine. This match is therefore crucial for us in this regard,” he said.

KCB have struggled all through-out the season despite an impressive fourth place finish last year.

The bankers are used to having a good start every season and by now, they normally would have been assured of their place in top flight football next year.

But the situation has been dire since the season kicked off following the departure of key players like Jacob Keli and Brian Osumba.

This was followed by the departure of former head coach Abdalla Juma who was sacked due to poor results.

KCB go into the match inspired by a 4-0 win over Mathare United last Saturday, a result that increased the banker’s tally to 12 points.

For Nairobi City Stars, they have an opportunity to get away from the relegation pack and are expected to give it their best shot.

City Stars picked a crucial point when they took on Ulinzi Stars away last weekend in a result that should inspire them this afternoon.

Elsewhere, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) must bounce back to winning ways as they face Western Stima in another match to be played at City Stadium today.

The tax men are currently placed fifth on the standings with an impressive 30 points but have been blowing hot and cold since then.

Though they are new comers in the KPL this season, the tax men have shocked everyone with an impressive performance which they will be under pressure to maintain.

Going into this match, they will look upto Godfrey Kataka one of their best players for inspiration.

Western Stima could find themselves sucked into the relegation fight should they not overcome KRA today.

The team started the second leg in fifth spot on the log but three losses in a row have pushed them to 13th place.