Tusker face Kakamega Homeboyz hurdle in Mumias

Former champions Tusker will leave nothing to chance in their quest to return to the top of the Kenyan Premier League table when they confront Kakamega Homeboyz at the Mumias Sports Complex on Friday.

On Saturday, champions Gor Mahia will host high-flying Muhoroni Youth at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu while City Stars welcome Ushuru at Kasarani Stadium.

Francis Baraza’s Chemelil Sugar will be out to pile more misery on Bandari at the Chemelil Sports Complex as league strugglers Sofapaka and Sony Sugar scrape for points at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The second-placed Tusker will go two points clear atop the league table with a win over Homeboyz while the hosts could climb to fifth if they stun the brewers.

Tusker coach Paul Nkata on Thursday insisted that this will be just another obstacle that needs to be overcome in their hunt for the 2016 title.

“Everyone in the team knows that we need to get into the top position. There are many hurdles remaining but winning this game is currently the fastest way to get into that position so they know what to do,” the Ugandan said.

Nkata - who rested regulars Eugene Asike, Osborne Monday, Michael Khamati, Noah Wafula and Collins Shivachi and goalkeeper David Okello in their 2-1 win over Bandari in KPL Top 8 Knockout Tournament at the weekend - will be out to uphold the brewers’ good record over the hosts in the league. Tusker beat Homeboyz 5-1 and 1-0 in their last two meetings in 2013.

But a resurgent Homeboyz side has surged to ninth on the log after a slow start to the season after registering three wins in their last four league games.

Homeboyz coach Mike Mururi on Thursday told Daily Nation Sport that he has no fresh injuries in the squad and expects his charges to bounce back to winning ways after their 1-0 loss to Sony in their last league match.

“We are hoping for the best. We have been training well and I feel that we are ready for this game,” said Mururi.

Experienced forward Patrick Oboya, whose troublesome knee has kept him out of action for the last three games, could face his former employers in the match if he passes a late fitness test.

OBOYA FACES LATE FITNESS TEST

Jeremiah Wanjala and Andrew Murunga will lead Homeboyz goal-hunt with Moses Mudavai expected to provide assist the duo upfront.

On Sunday, leaders Mathare United tackle Western Stima in an early kick off match at the Nyayo Stadium while AFC Leopards will be seeking to arrest the current rot that has seen the team go for three matches without a win when they battle tricky Posta Rangers at the same venue.

James Nandwa’s Thika United will also host Ulinzi Stars at the Thika Municipal Stadium on Sunday.