Leopards brace for Nzoia test: Ingwe coach Kitambi says he expects physical match

Kakamega Homeboyz Noah Wafula (left) challenges Salima Abdala of AFC Leopards during KPL Match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos county on Sunday March 18, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Mathare United host Tusker as they strive to stretch lead in Gor Mahia’s absence.

AFC Leopards are bracing themselves for a high intensity game against a resurgent physical and youthful Nzoia Sugar as the two sides meet  tomorrow’s Kenyan Premier League match, at Mumias Sports Complex.

Having watched his side’s four-game unbeaten run brought to an abrupt end by Tusker (4-2) on Easter Monday in Kericho, Leopards interim coach Dennis Kitambi made his way to Ruaraka on Wednesday to grace Nzoia’s surprise 1-0 victory over fancied Sofapaka.

“I think it is going to be a high tempo and physical game. We have to match the intensity they will play at and ensure we keep the ball as much as possible,” Kitambi told The Standard Sports.

“I had a look at them (Nzoia) on Wednesday when they played against Sofapaka, it is a strong side but it will depend on how we use the ball when we have it. The thing that clearly stands out with them is the intensity which they play at.”

But the Tanzanian has been working hard to ensure his leaky defence that has conceded ten goals in their last four games keeps a clean-sheet in Mumias.

“I am personally perplexed with how we are playing at the moment. When I took over, I expected us to face some difficulty in tactical maneuvers, but we have very intelligent players  who can easily take the tactical instructions.

“It is only the small things that are letting us down. When you look at our game against Tusker, we conceded the first two goals due to basic passing errors,” Kitambi said.

“I don’t know how I can solve this because we keep on working with the ball every day, so that the boys are comfortable. Obviously, I will have to pose the challenge to the boys.

“We were intelligent enough to play well with one man down and manipulate the opponents the way we want, now  can we do the same when we are 11?”

However, the highlight of the weekend will be in Ruaraka when league leaders and Francis Kimanzi’s Mathare United reunite with his former club Tusker at 3pm.

It will be a perfect opportunity for the Slum Boys to open a four point gap over second placed Gor Mahia (19), who will be involved in a CAF Confederations League first leg play-offs encounter against South Africa’s SuperSport United in Machakos tomorrow.

Though currently in fine form, it will not be a walk in the park for Mathare as the brewers seem to be slowly rediscovering their form.

Mathare registered their sixth win of the season after beating cash-strapped Nakumatt 3-2 in a mid-week encounter as the brewers saw-off ten-man AFC Leopards 4-2 in Kericho.

Mathare will be banking on the striking duo of youthful Cliff Nyakeya and Clifford Alwanga who will be facing his ex-employers.