Sharks prey on Leopards: Nakumatt play first match since courts’ reinstatement

Kariobangi Sharks Vs AFC Leopards Samuel Ndung’u of AFC leopards (r) vies with Michael Bodo of Kariobangi Sharks in a SPL match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. Sharks won 2-0. Photo/Suleiman Mbatiah/Standard

Sony Sugar, Ulinzi Stars clash as Zoo faces Homeboyz test KPL matches today.

Kariobangi Sharks coach William Mluya expects a difficult but exciting Kenyan Premier League duel when they host AFC Leopards in Machakos today.

With both teams having qualified for the GOtv Shield final on October 20 and coming off defeats (Sharks 0-1 Thika United and Leopards 0-2 Sofapaka), the former Mathare United team manager insists they have different objectives for the return leg encounter.

Sharks will have to do without the services of striker Masoud Juma and midfielder Patilah Omotto who are away in Iraq with Harambee Stars on national duties alongside their Leopards counterpart Robinson Kamura and Dennis Sikhayi. Leopards will also miss Ugandan midfielder Keziron Kizito who has reportedly gone AWOL.

“Since both of us lost our last matches, today’s game will be interesting and exciting to watch.  Just like Leopards, we want to win this match,” Mluya told The Standard Sports.

“This is a totally different match from what we will play on October 20th. For now there are points at stake as well as better positioning, but in the coming few weeks it will be a battle for the trophy.

“It will also be a great opportunity for other players to show their prowess and fill the void left by those with Harambee Stars.”

In Kericho, reinstated Zoo face an acid test against high-riding third-placed Kakamega Homeboyz as Nakumatt welcome relegation-threatened Muhoroni Youth at Ruaraka.

Both Zoo and Nakumatt will be playing their first league matches since their reinstatement into the Kenyan Premier League by the Court of Appeal on Tuesday.

The two clubs had been temporarily suspended by the High Court who nullified the current 18 team league.