KCB, Western Stima and AFC Leopards seek redemption after falling in league race

Western Stima Henry Onyango(L) and Saidi Musa of Uprising FC battle for ball possession during their GOtv Shield Cup match at Ruaraka Stadium,Nairobi on Saturday [Standard]

Focus shifts to the SportPesa Shield as the tournament reaches the per-quarter stage this weekend.

The tournament provides a perfect opportunity for teams that are keen on earning tickets to continental football taking quite a different route. Apart from league winners who qualify to represent the country in the Champions League, Cup winners play in Confederations Cup.

With the league title out of their reach, three Premier League clubs in KCB, Stima and AFC Leopards shift focus into the cup competition.

The first of the Premier League sides getting on the pitch this afternoon are KCB who have a date with Vihiga Sportif at Machakos Stadium.

The bankers posted 1-0 win over Sindo United in the first round. KCB have been enjoying impressive results in the last month after a poor start to the season and hope the tie will inspire them.

National under-23 defender Michael Kibwage has been outstanding for the bankers at the back and his experience will be desperately needed.

The bankers will rely on Chrispinus Onyango and Bethuel Warambo, the two who have been key in their recent resurgence in the league. But they cannot afford to underrate their opponents.

The Shield Cup is a knock-out tournament and has already registered some shocking results with big names falling by wayside.

Vihiga Sportif were responsible for one of the shocking results as they had edged out Ushuru 2-0 in the first round.

Ushuru are currently top of the National Super League (NSL) standings and KCB must pick some vital lessons today.

Tomorrow, AFC Leopards face Bungoma Superstars at Bukhungu Stadium. It is no doubt that AFC Leopards have been treading on shaky ground in the league this season and at one time they were stuck at the bottom of the log.

But slowly after the appointment of Andre Casa Mbungo, the team found their footing registering as they posted some impressive results and moved out of the drop zone.

Leopards’ fans have not had a chance to celebrate a trophy for too long. The last trophy the team won was the shield two years ago and have another opportunity to repeat the same this year.

Western Stima invite Wazito tomorrow at Moi Stadium Kisumu in a match that should light up the round of 16.

Stima remain a mid-table KPL side but their opponents are currently one of the top sides in the NSL.