SPL preview: AFC Leopards sign Harambee Stars defender 'Cheche'

It has been a tough first leg for Leopards who at one point were rooted at the bottom of the log [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

AFC Leopards have boosted their backline with the signing of Harambee Stars defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng ahead of today’s SportPesa Premier League (SPL) match against Sofapaka at Bukhungu Stadium.

Ochieng was unveiled on Monday on a three-month contract and is expected to help Leopard’s backline which has been leaking goals.

The Kenyan international is a big catch for Leopards who go into today’s match motivated by a 2-1 win over Tusker last Saturday.

It has been a tough first leg for Leopards who at one point were rooted at the bottom of the log but two wins in a row have lifted them out of the relegation zone.

A win against Sofapaka will be another boost for Leopards and playing at Bukhungu gives them plenty of motivation.

Despite a poor first leg, Whyvonne Isuza has been outstanding for Leopards. The former Mathare United midfielder stood out while his teammates were struggling and once again he is expected to take charge of the midfield today.

Then there is also Vincent Oburu who has always come to the rescue of his side with crucial goals. Sofapaka are, however, equally motivated after a 3-0 win over Chemelil Sugar last weekend.

Coach John Barasa says he expects a tough match admitting that both sides are highly motivated.

“We are all motivated and everyone wants to win and go up the log and so we expect a tough match,” he said.

Barasa who took over two months ago insists his team still harbours title ambitions. “Ours is a big club and every season we have the ambition to be champions and that has not changed.”

At Kasarani Stadium, Kariobangi Sharks will be hoping to revive their title ambitions against Nzoia Sugar this afternoon.

Sharks, the GOtv and SportPesa Cup champions have struggled of late casting doubt on their ability to win the league.

Coach William Muluya announced yesterday the promotion of an Under-20 midfielder Patrick Ngunyi into the senior team in a move that is meant to give Sharks more depth.

“Ngunyi is a product of our Under-20 side and we look forward to promoting other young players,” he said.

Sharks have had an impressive record at Kasarani something that should give them an edge in today’s fixture.

On the other hand, Nzoia have been struggling on the pitch something that has been made worse by lack of finances.