KPL: We will fight to the bitter end, says Ulinzi Stars coach Matano

Ulinzi coach Robert Matano. [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

With less than six matches remaining to the end of 2014 Kenyan Premier League season, Ulinzi Stars head coach Robert Matano believes the title race will go right down to the wire.

The 2010 KPL champions are currently fifth on the log, sitting 12 points behind league leaders Gor Mahia after drubbing relegation-threatened Top Fry Nakuru All Stars 2-0 last weekend.

Gor, who host Bandari today at the City Stadium, remain favourites to retain the title as they are a point ahead of second-placed Sofapaka (46), but with a game in hand, while Ulinzi's opponents in their match tomorrow, Tusker, are third after amassing 42 points, one ahead of Chemelil Sugar.

But buoyed by their Nakuru derby victory, the former Tusker and Sofapaka coach says the team is motivated ahead of his former employers' visit and expects the battle will go down to the last couple of matches with five teams in contention.

 

TRICKY TRIP

"We will not rule ourselves out yet, we are going to fight to the end of the league. My main aim is to see that the team finishes in a good position, better than they did last season. I am impressed with how everyone is working hard," Matano was quoted as saying by the club's official website.

His sentiments were echoed by Tusker's Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho, who termed their Afraha trip as tricky after beating the Soldiers twice (2-1 league and 6-4 Gotv Shield).
"The competition is very stiff and from my observation any team can win the title. Football is a very tricky game, but we just need the three points against Ulinzi and see what happens after that. Ulinzi will definitely be seeking revenge, so we expect a very tough match on Thursday," said Aucho.