Ulinzi, Sofapaka lock horns

• Birgen downplays fatigue as soldiers face ‘Batoto Ba Mungu’

Ulinzi Stars face Sofapaka in the FKF President’s Cup at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

Team manager Joe Birgen insists they will treat the match against Sofapaka as a final.

“We are taking all the titles seriously. Each match to us is like a final. And at the end of it all, we want to win in all competitions. That to us, will be the biggest achievement,” said Birgen.

The soldiers will take to the pitch less than 48 hours after drawing 1-1 with Sony in the first leg of Top Eight tournament on Friday. Despite the probable fatigue, the soldiers have their eyes fixed on the task at hand.

Sofapaka coach Salim Ali will be out to land a trophy in his first season in charge. Sofapaka have lifted the President’s Cup twice, in 2007 and 2010. The knock-out FKF President’s Cup will see teams from the top three leagues face each other.

Gor have won it nine times

Winners will represent the country in the African Confederation Cup. Gor Mahia, who have won the title nine times, are the current champions. In other matches, AFC Leopards face two-time winners Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium from 3pm.

On Sunday, Gor play Kisii’s Borabu Chiefs at City Stadium while Tusker face Keroka Technical at Nyayo.

Saturday’s fixtures:Muranga Utd v Maua (Ihura Stadium), Taqwa v Tetu Stars (Kinoru), Sofapaka v Ulinzi Stars (Kasarani), AFC v Mathare Utd (Nyayo), Sacramento v Western Stima (Stima Club), Homeboyz v Bidco United (Bukhungu), Longonot Hort v Mahakama (Naivasha), KRA v Malindi United (Public Service), Congo United v Isiolo Youth (City Stadium), Raiply v Nzoia Sugar (Eldoret Polytechnic).

Sunday:Gor Mahia v Borabu (City Stadium), Tusker v Keroka Technical (Nyayo), Karuturi v Nakumatt (Naivasha), Nairobi Stima v Shabana (Stima Club), Wazito v MOYAS (University of Nairobi), Muhoroni Youth v Western Stima). (All matches kick-off at 3pm).