Will Leopards fish out Sharks? KPL Tough test for interim coach in Afraha today

Kariobangi Sharks' Masud Juma celebrate a goal against Nakumatt FC during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium on Monday, April 17. 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Former champions take on Ulinzi Stars in Kisumu tomorrow.

Interim AFC Leopards coach Tom Juma faces an early test of his tenure at the Den today when his side take on an unpredictable Kariobangi Sharks side in round 15 of the Kenyan Premier League, at Afraha Stadium.

But the highlight of the weekend will be tomorrow’s clash between 15-time champions Gor Mahia and Ulinzi Stars in Kisumu.

With only three points separating the league’s top four, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s side will be seeking to bounce back from the shocking 2-0 defeat to fifth placed Sofapaka in Meru a fortnight ago.

Although both AFC and Sharks won round one of the 2017 GoTV Shield matches last weekend against lower tier sides (AFC 15-1 Zero and Kariobangi 3-2 Bungoma Superstars), the two clubs come into this league fixture on contrasting forms.

While sixth-placed Sharks (22 points) are enjoying a long unbeaten run on their league debut, stretching to eight games (four wins and four draws), 12th ranked Ingwe have endured an eight-match winless streak (three draws, our loses).

It will be interesting to see how Juma, who has been tasked with turning around the fortunes of his former club will line up against Sharks after the exit of captain Bernard Mang’oli, Paul Kiongera and injured Ghanaian striker Gilbert Fiamenyo.

The former Kenyan international replaced Romanian Dorian Marian, who controversially left AFC barely two weeks after succeeding Stewart Hall.

Just like AFC who will miss the services of leading striker Fiamenyo (five goals), Sharks will have to do without Masoud Juma, who is in Sweden for trials with top tier side AIK.

Despite Leopards’ first leg troubles, Sharks coach William Muluya has warned his charges against complacency.

“We beat them (AFC) in pre-season, but I think such a game counts for nothing in the league. They have had their own problems, but as a big team they deserve respect and we cannot undermine them,” Muluya told The Standard Sports.

“However, going by the GoTV Shield results, they are not struggling.

“They won that game with a big margin and before that they had drawn with Mathare United. We will stick to our plan and approach that game cautiously. “

In other matches today, fancied Sofapaka will be looking to continue with their winning ways against Nakumatt as Nzoia United seek to secure their first season home win against Thika United at Sudi Stadium.

Champions Tusker will be out to extend their stay at the top of the table when they welcome Bandari in Meru tomorrow as Posta Rangers battle with Chemelil Sugar at Afraha Stadium.