Bandari seek to bounce back against limping Leopards as Mwalala calls for quick response

Kariobangi Sharks FC's Erick Juma shield off Roy Okal of Mathare United during KPL match at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday, Jan 30, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Slum Boys set to climb Mt Kenya

Mathare United will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways when the unbeaten SportPesa Premier League leaders clash with bottom side Mount Kenya United at Afraha Stadium today.

The 2008 league winners were held to a barren draw by Kariobangi Sharks in thrilling mid-week Slum derby, but they still lead the table with 24 points, six points more than closest rivals Bandari.

The early kick off encounter will be followed by a 4.15pm tie between Ulinzi Stars and Chemelil Sugar at the same venue as Robert Matano’s Tusker battle it out with struggling Posta Rangers in Machakos.

Having failed to score for only the second time this season, Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi has challenged his troops to be more ruthless in front of goal.

“When you are leading, there is always that pressure because you have more points than others. So, we should be very sharp in finishing, even if we have half chance we try to score,” said Kimanzi.

“Of course, I was frustrated not to have scored in our mid-week match, but the quality of the opponents tells you a lot.”

But the highlight of the weekend will be tomorrow in Machakos and Mombasa when unbeaten Kariobangi Sharks clash with rejuvenated Sofapaka at Kenyatta Stadium as Bandari host AFC Leopards at Mbaraki Sports Club.

Fresh from Super Cup triumph and frustrating Mathare to a barren draw, Sharks coach William Muluya called on his charges to try and close the gap on the league leaders.

“Though this season the league is a bit tricky in terms of the period being played, I’m not really worried with the nine points gap. We still have like six matches in the first leg to play. You can’t really tell, but you win one game you reduce the gap. Honestly, the league is still wide open and anyone can win the title. But we need to be very careful because by April the league is over,” said Muluya.

But for Bandari’s Bernard Mwalala, the Leopards' match presents them an opportunity to recover from the Kakamega demolition.

“As much as we are fatigued, we have a chance to bounce back against AFC Leopards. But the question, is how can we get that result on Sunday," said Mwalala.