Tusker open GOtv Shield defence in Mombasa

Holders Tusker will commence their GOtv Shield defence with a date against lowly Mombasa-based side SS Assad at the Mbaraki Sports Club on Sunday, in a contest club captain James Situma has urged his teammates to exercise caution.

The clash marks the opening weekend of the annual domestic cup competition, and is one among the 31 other matches lined up across the country Saturday and Sunday. Thika United withdrew from the tournament, giving their opponents Young Divers a free ticket to the last 32.

And just like the Tusker game, most of the other match-ups involve SportPesa Premier League clubs against lowly opposition, with surprises expected in a number of the contests.

"We are not quite familiar with our opponents and that is why we have to be extra cautious. I know they will be psyched to play us and their players will also want to prove a point. In all, it will be an exciting assignment," Situma said.

At stake for the winning team in this tournament is not only the Sh2 million prize money, but also a chance to brush shoulders with some of the continent's big teams in the Caf Confederation Cup next year.

UPSETS GALORE

No team outside the top flight has won this competition in 17 years, since Mathare United defeated AFC Leopards on penalties in the then Moi Golden Cup final at the Nyayo Stadium.

That said, there have been a couple of upsets along the way, such as Gor Mahia's defeat and consequent elimination at the hands of GFE 105 FC, and then second tier clubs Nakumatt and Nzoia Sugar in the past three seasons.

The results could provide hope for Gor's next opponents Nairobi Water ahead of Sunday's clash at the Thika Sub-County Stadium.

In other fixtures Saturday, Kariobangi Sharks will play Bungoma Superstars at Sudi Stadium, 2014 winners Sofapaka will host Silver Bullets in Machakos, AFC Leopards travel to Kisumu to face Dero FC.

"I have never heard of that team, but we have prepared for this assignment just as if we were playing a Premier League side. We want to win this tournament and the target is to start well," Leopards’ Ghanaian forward Gilbert Fiamenyo said.

Nakuru All Stars will play Eldoret Youth at the later's Kipchoge Keino Stadium backyard while Sony Sugar will battle it out with Timsales at Afraha Stadium for a place in the last 32.

FIXTURES

Saturday:

Poror Mote v KCB (Afraha), Timsales v Sony Sugar (Afraha) Savannah Cement v Chemelil Sugar (TBA), Al Ahly v Kenpoly (Savannah Complex), Tandaza v Zetech University (Camp Toyoyo), Dream Academy v Modern Coast Rangers (TBA), Naivas v Kakamega Homeboyz (Camp Toyoyo), Naivas v Thika United (TBA), Machakos United v Nairobi Stima (Kenyatta Stadium), Uweza v Bandari (Machakos Stadium), Bungoma Superstars v Kariobangi Sharks (Sudi Stadium), Karatina Homeboyz v Administration Police (Kayiaba grounds, Karatina), Griffin v Palos (Moi Stadium, Kisumu), Dero v AFC Leopards (Moi Stadium, Kisumu)

Sunday:

Mwatate United v Kenya Police (TBA), Muranga All Stars v Bidco United (Muranga Stadium), Silver Bullets v Sofapaka (Machakos Stadium), Nairobi Water v Gor Mahia (Thika Stadium), Taqwa v City Stadium (TBA), Bigott v Nakumatt (Afraha), Wajiji v Ulinzi Stars (Machakos), Bondo United v Sony Sugar (Moi Stadium, Kisumu).