Bandari, Sharks look to upset form book

Bandari players during a training session at the Police Training college grounds in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on January 20, 2019. PHOTO | DAVID KWALIMWA |

What you need to know:

  • Managed by youthful coach William Mluhya, Sharks boast of quality players namely last season's top scorer Eric Kapaito, combative midfielder Sven Yidah, keeper John Oyemba and playmaker Patillah Omotto.
  • Sharks, Bandari and Leopards are already in Tanzania, with Kenyan champions Gor Mahia expected to fly in directly from Cameroon on Tuesday from their Caf Confederation Cup play-off return leg match against New Stars de Douala

IN DAR ES SALAAM

The law of averages occasionally provides underdogs with opportunities to thrive.

This is partly why Barack Obama and 23-year old John Paul Mwirigi were elected 44th President of the United States of America and current Igembe South lawmaker, respectively.

It is also why Leicester City were - against all odds - crowned 2015/2016 English Premier League champions and Kenyan champions Gor Mahia were once humbled by non-league side GFE 105 in a competitive clash three years ago.

Crucially, this is enough reason for SportPesa Premier League sides Kariobangi Sharks and Bandari to approach the SportPesa Cup with confidence and hope.

This annual football extravaganza - now in its third edition - will consist eight clubs from Kenya and Tanzania, including bigwigs Simba and Yanga from the host nation and Kenya's AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia.

Tanzania minnows namely Singida United and Mbao FC, are also taking part.

Matches of this week long tournament will be staged at an expected sold out 60,000 seater National Stadium in Dar es Salaam starting Tuesday.

The winning team will not only bank Sh3 million, but also get an opportunity to play English Premier League side Everton in a friendly later this year.

Even though Sharks and Bandari are considered underdogs owing to their limited successes on the pitch in their history, their recent impressive form suggests these two teams are capable of pulling a couple of shocks.

Bandari finished second in the SportPesa Premier League last season whilst Sharks went all the way to win the domestic FKF SportPesa Shield.

"We want to play Everton so we are here to try and win the tournament," said Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala, ahead of his team clash against Bandari.

He added: "So we will go step by step, try and win the first match and get to the semi-finals, the players are all in good shape and excited by this opportunity."

Managed by youthful coach William Mluhya, Sharks boast of quality players namely last season's top scorer Eric Kapaito, combative midfielder Sven Yidah, keeper John Oyemba and playmaker Patillah Omotto.

Sharks, Bandari and Leopards are already in Tanzania, with Kenyan champions Gor Mahia expected to fly in directly from Cameroon on Tuesday from their Caf Confederation Cup play-off retun leg match against New Stars de Douala

Quarter-final fixtures.

Tuesday

Bandari v Singida

Simba v AFC Leopards

Wednesday:

Gor Mahia v Mbao

Kariobangi Sharks v Yanga.