Desperate Leopards head to Thika, Gor Mahia host Sofapaka

Coach Rodolfo Zapata leads AFC Leopards to the Thika Sub-County Stadium to take on Thika United on Sunday desperate to record his first win since taking over last month.

At the Kenyatta Stadium, champions Gor Mahia will be out to return to the local scene with a bang as they host Sofapaka from 4.15pm on Sunday, moments after Nakumatt tackle Tusker at the same venue.

Second-placed Mathare United visit to Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday while stuttering Bandari play host to Posta Rangers at Mbaraki Sports Club.

Rodolfo is winless in the four games he has been in charge, having watched his charges record four straight draws which have stretched Leopards’ barren run in the league to eight.

The poor record has sent the 13-time champions sliding from second place to fifth on the SporPesa Premier League standings, leaving a section of Leopards faithful disgruntled.

In his defence, Rodolfo says that he is yet to get his feet properly under the table, and that he needs a quality striker to take off the goal-scoring burden on Ezekiel Odera who has scored six of the team’s 26 goals so far.

“I am barely a month old here and I am pleased with the players. However, I need three players in June and my priorities are in striking, attacking midfield and defence,” Zapata said.

“I am comfortable with the goalkeeping department and I can assure you that once I get the players I want, we shall start winning games.”

The big cats had a topsy-turvy start to the season which saw the club sack coach Robert Matano before handing the responsibilities to Dennis Kitambi in an interim basis. The Tanzanian had a brilliant start to his tenure with four straight wins before the slump started.

OBURU, ODURO OUT

Zapata will miss the service of striker Vincent Oburu and defender Isaac Oduro who are unavailable for the match due to injury.

Thika, who have not beaten Leopards since their 2-1 win in May 2016, will be seeking to continue with their revival under new coach John Njogu.

After beating Sony Sugar 3-1 in their last match, Njogu wants to ride on that wave as he faces the big cats.

“Defending and striking are the major problems but after we won against Sony last weekend, the players look motivated and I am looking forward to build up on that,” Njogu said.

Thika have won just twice in 14 outings this term, and are 16th on the standings.

In Machakos, Gor Mahia will be eager to return to the local scene with a win following their 0-0 draw with USM Alger of Algeria in the Caf Confederation Cup Group D tie midweek at Kasarani. Meddie Kagere, who was suspended for the USM Alger, will most likely return to lead the team's attack but coach Dylan Kerr is expected to give his fringe players a run in the match.

Sofapaka, now under John Baraza following the resignation of Sam Ssimbwa over a month ago, are expected to partner Kepha Aswani and Stephen Waruru in attack.

Against Tusker, Nakumatt - who came from two goals down to hold AFC Leopards 2-2 in their last league match - are expected to rely on Brian Nyakan for the goals. Tusker coach Robert Matano is expected to tweak his squad following their 2-1 loss to Kariobangi Sharks last weekend at Ruaraka, with Boniface Muchiri and Paul Odhiambo expected to start after their brilliant display after coming off the bench.

FIXTURES

Saturday:

Wazito v Ulinzi Stars (Ruaraka, 3pm)

Bandari v Posta Rangers (Mombasa, 3pm)

Kakamega Homeboyz v Mathare United (Bukhungu, 3pm)

Nzoia Sugar v Chemelil Sugar (Sudi Stadium, 3pm)

Sony Sugar v Vihiga United (Awendo, 3pm)

Zoo FC v Kariobangi Sharks (Kericho Green, 3pm)

Sunday

Nakumatt v Tusker (Machakos, 2pm)

Thika United v AFC Leopards (Thika, 3pm)

Gor Mahia v Sofapaka (Machakos, 4.15pm)