TUSKERS’S BIG HOPE: The title is ours to lose - Wanga

Tusker FC players celebrates Stephen Owuso's (centre) lone goal as they played against hosts Bandari FC at the Mbaraki Sports, October 15, 2016. Hosts Bandari Fc were beaten 1-0. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Tusker striker Allan Wanga believes it’s now impossible for them to throw away this year's Kenyan Premier League title as they host relegation threatened Nairobi City Stars in tomorrow’s match at the Afraha Stadium.

The league leaders (51 points) are six points clear of champions Gor Mahia whose chances of retaining their title were dented following a mid-week 2-2 draw with fourth-placed Western Stima at Nyayo Stadium.

As the ten time champions will be locking horns with City Stars in Nakuru, AFC Leopards will be aiming to end stuttering Gor’s title ambitions in Mashemeji derby at Nyayo the same day.

The well-travelled hit-man scored a winning goal to help the Brewers end the 23-year domestic cup drought in Thursday’s GOtv Shield final against Ulinzi Stars (1-0).

And with one trophy already in the Ruaraka-based club’s trophy cabinet, the former Azam and AFC Leopards forward insists the achievement will spur them to title triumph, hence the title is now theirs to lose.

“We really needed to win the GOtv Shield for us to get motivated as we play City Stars on Sunday. A win against City Stars will ease pressure on us. The League is now in our hands, but we must remain focused and committed,” Wanga told Feverpitch.

“The league is now in our hands, but we must remain focused. We need like four to five points to win the league. A win on Sunday will put us in pole position to lift the title. I think the league is ours to lose.”

Asked about what has been the secret of winning a trophy with every club he has played for, the Kenyan international said: “It’s by God’s grace and I thank Him for that. He has been wonderful to me because all the teams I have played for I have won with them something. I am really looking forward to winning a double with Tusker.”

Although Wanga’s sentiments were echoed by his coach Paul Nkata, the Ugandan said it’s not yet celebration time and warned his charges against underrating all their remaining opponents including City Stars.

“Of course GOtv victory is a good motivation to the players. I am not sure about winning the league, but we will work hard to ensure we get that one also,” said Nkata.

“Sometimes teams like City Stars are very stubborn, but we have to take care of them. We ended the 23-year Cup drought, now we are aiming for the title.”

In other matches tomorrow, a resurgent Chemelil Sugar will take on Posta Rangers in Awasi as Western Stima host Ulinzi Stars in Kisumu. Kakamega Homeboyz and Sony Sugar face-off in Mumias, while Ushuru travels to Thika United.