Baraza insists Sofapaka can end Mathare’s unbeaten run

Gor Mahia FC fans arrive at Kasarani stadium the venue for their Kenyan Premier League match dubbed Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards SC on November 10, 2019. Photo/Stafford Ondego

The Kenyan Premier League resumes today with five matches on the card after a 10-day international break.

Joint-second placed Mathare United will be seeking to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches when they tackle former champions Sofapaka at Kasarani Stadium today.

A victory today will see the slum boys leapfrog Gor Mahia at the top of the table.

But the highlight of round 10 will be tomorrow’s encounter between record champions and league leaders Gor Mahia (18 points) against second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz at Moi Stadium, Kisumu. Only one point separates the two sides.

Homeboyz coach Nicholas Muyoti is already aware of the task that lies ahead of his side as they aim to improve on last season’s performance.

“I’m looking forward to our next match (Gor Mahia) after the international break. We are second on the log, but you can see how close the teams are on the table. The league is very competitive but we need to remain focused and avoid conceding easy goals,” Muyoti told Standard Sports.

“Even as we go into Gor Mahia’s match, our target still remains to improve on our last season’s performance. I don’t want to be specific on our target position because it will pile pressure on the players.”

While wounded AFC Leopards will be seeking to bounce back from their 4-1 Mashemeji derby humiliation when they travel to Mombasa to clash with Bandari, Tusker will be at home to Western Stima at Ruaraka Grounds.

But it will not be a walk in the park for the seventh-ranked Ingwe as Bernard Mwalala’s men will also be aiming to end their two-game winless run in the league.

And for newly reappointed Sofapaka coach John Baraza, Batoto Ba Mungu have what it takes to break Mathare’s unbeaten run in the league.

Baraza registered his first win in charge against Wazito 2-1 just before the international break after being elevated back to the head coaching role following the departure of his immediate former boss from Portugal Divaldo Alves.

“At the moment, Mathare are in a good run of form, but we are motivated and determined to end their unbeaten record,” said Baraza.

“It is always a tough but exciting match whenever these two teams meet. But the mood in the team is encouraging and everybody is looking forward to that challenge.”