Spluttering AFC Leopards tackle Thika United in Mumias

Will AFC Leopards finally turn around their dwindling fortunes in Mumias?

The answer to this question will be known this afternoon when Leopards, on an eight-match winless streak, welcome Thika United in a Kenyan Premier League round of 17 match at the Mumias Sports Complex.

After a blistering start to the 2016 season which saw Ingwe top the standings in the early stages, a dip in form has seen the 13-time Kenyan champions drop to position 13, 15 points off leaders Tusker.

AFC Leopards coach Ivan Minnaert, who is under intense pressure following last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Chemelil Sugar in Kisumu, leads his charges into this match knowing only a win can restore order at the Den.

Minnaert on Friday refused to comment on Saturday’s match, a clear indication of the magnitude of pressure on him.

For Thika coach James Nandwa however, Saturday’s game will be key in their fight to avoid the drop.

“We beat them in the first leg, which shows that it is possible to beat them again. We are struggling with consistency in terms of performance, but the team is in good shape both mentally and physically,” Nandwa said on Friday.

On Sunday, champions Gor Mahia host Kakamega Homeboyz at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu in a 2pm kick off before title-chasing Ulinzi Stars welcome Tusker at the Afraha Stadium from 4.15pm.

Gor will be out to complete a double on the league’s new boys after their 3-0 win in the first leg in Mumias. The champions welcome back midfielder Collins Okoth from injury while Rwandan striker Meddie Kagere could make his first appearance this season after returning to the club in June.

K’Ogalo are riding on a seven-match unbeaten run, and their recent swashbuckling performances confirm that they have rediscovered their winning mentality.

MATHARE AWAY TO STIMA

With second-placed Mathare United away to Western Stima in Kisumu on Saturday and Gor playing before the brewers, Tusker could find themselves third by the time they tackle Ulinzi.

A win for Francis Kimanzi’s charges will take them top of the table on 33 points, one ahead of Paul Nkata’s Tusker.

Tusker returnee Allan Wanga will have to wait longer to make his comeback after his deadline day move from Azam of Tanzania while Ulinzi coach Robert Matano will be out to make amends after last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium.

“We do not have any injuries so we should be able to cope with them (Ulinzi). We have had a week of good training and I hope that we get those three points,” Nkata told Saturday Nation Sport.

FIXTURES

Saturday:

AFC Leopards v Thika United (Mumias Sports Complex, 3pm)

Chemelil Sugar v Sofapaka (Chemelil Sports Complex, 3pm)

Western Stima v Mathare United (Moi Stadium, 3pm)

Bandari v Ushuru (Mbaraki, 3pm)

Sunday:

Posta Rangers v City Stars (Afraha Stadium, 2pm)

Gor Mahia v Kakamega Homeboyz (Moi Stadium, 2pm)

Muhoroni Youth v SonySugar (Muhoroni, 3pm)

Ulinzi Stars v Tusker (Afraha Stadium, 4.15pm)