Time ripe for Kariobangi Sharks coronation - Lemu

Kariobangi Sharks captain Geoffrey Lemu believes winning the GOtv Shield will cap a “perfect season” for the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) debutants.

Sharks, who saw off fellow SPL side Sony Sugar in the semi-final, face an uphill task against nine-time winners AFC Leopards in the final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Friday.

The team, founded in 2000 in Kariobangi slums, has adapted quickly to life in the top flight league, and is currently perched seventh on the table.

Sharks lost to Ulinzi Stars in last year’s GOtv Shield semifinal but finished third after overcoming KCB in the third place play-off.

CONFIDENT

And in 2015, Ugandan Matthew Odongo’s brace wouldn’t stop a 3-2 loss to Police in the preliminaries at City Stadium.

But Lemu is now confident that Sharks have what it takes to finally lift the trophy after near-misses in recent seasons.

“We’ve been on the rise in this competition in recent years. We are determined to surpass last year’s achievements by winning the cup this year,” said Lemu, whose side will be facing Leopards for the fourth time this season.

Sharks beat Ingwe 2-0 in the first leg of their league game at Afraha Stadium before playing out to a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture in Machakos. They edged Leopards 3-2 in a preseason friendly at Kasarani earlier in the year.

“We cannot underrate them because they have a good team as well. I would like to be the first captain to lift a major trophy for Sharks, a team I have played for over 10 years.”

“We also want to give our fans a special gift for their unwavering support over the years. Let them come in numbers and we shall not disappoint them.”

At stake will be a ticket to represent the country in next year’s Caf Confederation Cup and a Sh2 million prize money. Runners up will bag Sh1 million.

Leopards last clinched the domestic cup in 2013 after outsmarting eternal rivals Gor Mahia 1-0 in the final played at Nyayo Stadium.