SPL action continues today as struggling teams fight to escape relegation

Kariobangi Sharks' Duke Abuya (left) and Musa Oundo of Chemelil Sugar FC during KPL match at Kasarani Stadium on Sat, March 2, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Chemelil Sugar coach Francis Barasa has admitted it has not been easy getting the team to where they are at the moment.

After a bad start to the season and losing most of their key players, the sugar millers have pushed themselves to 14th spot and look to have finally found their winning ways.

They face Mount Kenya this afternoon at Machakos Stadium eager to build on last weekend’s 2-0 win against Zoo Kericho.

“It has not been easy getting to where we are. I had to start all over again to build a new team after a number of our key players left. We are almost there but still some work to be done,” he said.

Barasa insists, their opponents who are stuck at the bottom of the log with 12 points cannot be wished away.

“The fact that they recently lost by six goals does not mean we can underrate them. I have to consider the fact that they have been scoring in most of  their games despite losing and that is something positive from them.”

Barasa said his side will strive not to concede today and believes they can do that after failing to concede in the last two matches.

Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya has admitted ahead of tomorrow’s match against Sofapaka that they cannot fight for the title any longer.

The team has now gone six matches without a win and Muluya admits he cannot catch up with the leading pack. The latest loss was at the weekend when the team went down 2-0 to Tusker at Kasarani.

“We have to be honest with ourselves about the title ambitions that it will not happen this year looking at how far our opponents have gone,” he said.

He blamed injuries to key players for the team’s slump in recent matches saying it has cost them dearly.

“We have not had our key players consistently and it makes it difficult for us to compete. Furthermore, our new signings have had it rough having to play under pressure.

“However, I want to give it to my players due to the fact that we have been holding well and only conceding towards the end and at the same time created a lot of chances but only failed to score.”

Muluya said his team is however determined to get something from Soafapaka and believes they will fight for it.

Sofapaka are second on the log on 44 points same as leaders Gor Mahia and have a chance to overtake the league champions.

Fixtures:

Today - Mount Kenya United v Chemelil Sugar (Machakos ), Mathare United v Nzoia Sugar (Kasarani), Bandari v KCB (Mbaraki), Western Stima v Ulinzi Stars (Moi Stadium), Zoo Kericho v Vihiga United (Kericho Green) and AFC Leopards v Posta Rangers (Machakos-4.15p.m).

Tomorrow - Sofapaka v Kariobangi Sharks (Ruaraka), Kakamega Homeboyz v Gor Mahia (Bukhungu), Tusker v Sony Sugar (Machakos)