The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Student vs Master: Tusker FC coach Kimanzi pitted against Muhoroni’s Barasa, his former assistant at Harambee Stars

Football

By -GILBERT WANDERA | Mar 29, 2014

BY GILBERT WANDERA

Tusker coach Francis KImanzi

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) leaders Tusker will be out to protect their turf when they travel away to Muhoroni Youth today.

Both teams are currently enjoying a good season, which will set the stage for a potentially exciting fixture.

Tusker are top of the log with 14 points, while Muhoroni Youth, under coach Francis Barasa, have won their last three matches.

It is the first time that the brewers are travelling outside Nairobi since the season kicked off and coach Francis Kimanzi looks forward to the encounter against a man who worked under him as an assistant at the national team Harambee Stars two years ago. “We are excited to play Muhoroni Youth. They are a highly motivated side following a spate of good results in the past,” said Kimanzi.

Keep Reading

The Tusker tactician will be without two key players Martin Kiiza and Lloyd Wahome both of whom are suspended for this match after being sent off against Gor Mahia on Wednesday.

But even without the two Kimanzi still has a strong bench to pick from. With the exception of the two suspended players, Kimanzi is expected to retain almost the same team which drew 1-1 with Gor Mahia in mid-week which means Jesse Were and Ismael Dunga could start upfront in search for goals.

Ahead of Saturday’s match, Muhoroni Youth coach Francis Barasa has revealed that his players are looking forward to the encounter but remains weary of their opponents.

“When I arrived here, the players had lost self-belief following a bad start in the season. The first thing I had to do was build their self-confidence.”

“We have worked hard to motivate them against Tusker who are a big team handled by a great coach. I have told my players to give them due respect but also remember the fact that they are beatable,” said Barasa.

The coach has predicted a tough game for both sides though he insists his side will have a home ground advantage to count on.

Nakuru Top Fry will attempt another giant killing act when they play away to AFC Leopards at Mumias Sports Complex also on Saturday.

The league’s new comers upset champions Gor Mahia 2-0 last weekend and have suddenly won the respect of their opponents after a poor start that saw them lose their opening five matches of the season.

On Sunday, champions Gor Mahia travel to Mombasa to face Bandari. The porters go into this match on the back of an impressive 2-2 tie against Western Stima away something that should inspire them towards their second home win.

The porters have been facing trying times since the season began and have been a pale shadow of the team that finished sixth last season.

Full weekend fixtures: Saturday: KCB v Western Stima (Nyayo), Chemelil Sugar v KRA (Chemelil Complex), Sofapaka v City Stars (Machakos), Muhoroni Youth v Tusker (Muhoroni), AFC Leopards v Nakuru Top Fry (Mumias).

Sunday: Ulinzi Stars v Thika United (Afraha), Bandari v Gor Mahia (Mombasa) and Sony Sugar v Mathare United (Awendo).