Race just got tighter at the top

• Ulinzi top again, Tusker two points adrift and just one ahead of Sofapaka as Gor stay in title bracket

With eight games to go, the race for the 2010 Kenyan Premier League title just got tighter with only four points separating the leading pack.

The four teams with realistic chances of clinching the crown - Ulinzi Stars, Tusker, Sofapaka and Gor Mahia - are locked in a tight race as this year’s league heads towards a bruising finish.

Ulinzi reclaimed the top spot with a 1-0 win over Thika United on Saturday, dislodging champions Sofapaka from the helm, who had stormed the summit with a tumping 3-1 midweek victory over fading Mathare United.

Sofapaka coach Sam Ssimbwa however sees the path to retaining the title looking easier. His side only has Gor Mahia to play among the top five. The rest of the champions’ matches are against lowly sides.

“I’m not underrating any team but our match against Gor (on September 18) will give a clear hint of where we are headed. It’s a game we must win,” he said.

Gor frustrated

Sofapaka have games against Chemelil (home), Western Stima (Away), Posta Rangers , Sony Sugar (both at home) Mahakama and City Stars before travelling to Thika to play Thika United. But Ulinzi want to be given due credit.

“We are not holding forte for anyone. We have prepared just like Tusker or Sofapaka and Gor Mahia are for the title.

“Why should people dwell so much on other title contenders while we are the ones at the top,” said Ulinzi team manager Joe Birgen.

Ulinzi moved to the top with a 1-0 win over Thika United in Naivasha.

K’Ogalo coach Zedekiah Otieno, who saw his side frustrated in a disappointing barren draw with Red Berets at City on Sunday, says the race will go to the wire.

“It remains tight. We had to play so many games in a short time. We did well and we have shown character. We remain on the race and we know we can win it,” he said.

However, it is Tusker coach James Nandwa who is even more optimistic after recovering from a dreadful start of the second leg.

“Those who were writing us off beware,” he said following Tusker’s 3-0 victory over Western Stima in Mumias.

Relegation battle