Kenyan Premier League: Three matches on the cards with brewers headlining the fixtures

AFC Leopards Sports Club's Alexis Kitenge (left) and James Situma of Tusker FC during KPL Match at Nyayo National Stadium. Aug 24, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Tusker seek to ease hangover

In a forgettable season, outgoing champions host Kariobangi Sharks with a view to finishing second.

This has been a tough season for Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker.

Despite winning a double last season, the team is out of contention for silverware and will be playing for nothing but pride in their remaining matches.

Tusker host Kariobangi Sharks this afternoon with assistant coach Francis Barasa saying they are determined to finish runner-up.

“We can still finish in second position and that is our target in the remaining matches where we hope to pick maximum points. We are not too far off from this goal,” he said.

Baraza admitted their opponents are a tricky side whom they cannot afford to underrate.

“Sharks are a young side playing some good football and the fact that they are ahead of us in the standings means we cannot look down on them. If anything every game from now on is like a final for us,” added the coach.

But Baraza is worried about the injuries at Ruaraka, with Hashim Sempala and Paul Odhiambo injured.

“They have started light training and we can only have them at the weekend. It means we will have to do with those who are available.”

The brewers will need everything to pull off a win against Sharks considering the KPL new comers have shown scant respect for big sides.

Sharks held AFC Leopards to a barren draw at the weekend despite the absence of some of their key players who were away with the national team during a tour of Asia.

With a full house, Sharks will be a tough side to crack for Tusker.

After pulling a surprise 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz at home, Zoo Kericho welcome Nzoia Sugar this afternoon hoping to continue with their winning ways.

The Kericho side were re-admitted into the top league last week following an order from Court of Appeal.

Zoo coach Sammy Okoth has warned his players not to get carried away by the weekend result, but to focus on picking all points this afternoon.

“That is behind us now and we cannot afford to underrate Nzoia ,who are placed better than us in the standings,” he said.

 

Struggling Western Stima entertain Nakumatt at Moi Stadium. The power men edged out Bandari 2-1 last weekend and will be keen to pick another three points on their way out of the relegation zone.

The team has scrapped gate charges in a bid to encourage as many fans as possible to attend their matches, hoping this can motivate the players to give it their all.