Wazito tackle Sony in early kick-off as Tusker hope to bottle Nzoia at Kenyatta Stadium.

AFC Leopards' John Makwata (left) and Sven Yidah of Kariobangi Sharks during KPL match at Kasarani stadium on Sunday, Sept 15, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

All eyes will be on prolific AFC Leopards striker John Makwata as the leading Kenyan Premier League scorer faces his former club Ulinzi Stars in today’s 4.15 pm encounter at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

This fixture will be preceded by two early kick-off matches at the same venue. Moneybags Wazito will take on troubled Sony Sugar at 10am before paving way for a 2 pm clash between former champions Tusker and Nzoia Sugar.

But the highlight of the weekend will be the match pitting sixth-placed Ulinzi, who have not conceded in their last three matches, against Leopards.

Makwata will take to the pitch with two things in mind; to prove a point against the soldiers and to help joint second-placed Leopards (14 points) leapfrog league leaders and rivals Gor Mahia (15 points) at the summit.

This will be the first time the Kenyan international will be playing against Ulinzi since he switched his allegiance at the end of the 2016 season just after winning the Golden Boot (15 goals) and inspiring them to a top three finish.

The immediate former Al Nasr man has made an instant impact at the Den, scoring five goals in his last six outings.

Even though the match has generated a lot of buzz, Mwakwata is relishing the prospect of facing his former coach Benjamin Nyangweso and some of his ex-teammates.

“It is a special feeling but there is a lot of emotions involved because Ulinzi Stars played a big role in my career. They opened the door for me when I left the country that’s why I feel indebted to them,” Makwata said.

“There is some pressure, but I will try to take it normally because this time round I will be meeting my former teammates on the same pitch as opponents. I believe it will be a fair game and may the best team win.”

Ulinzi coach Benjamin Nyangweso is aware of the threat Makwata poses, but he claims his defence is ready to tame him.

“Makwata is a great player; he is a big threat to any team he faces and he is currently enjoying fine form. If not watched, he can cause damage.

“The advantage we have in this is that we know him well and we have a very good defence that will deal with his threat,” Nyangweso was quoted saying on the club’s website.

“Ahead of this game we have already faced big strikers so we know very well what to expect going to this clash.”

Meanwhile, Mathare United and Posta Rangers drew 0-0 in a KPL tie played yesterday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos