Goalkeepers singled out for special praise in league race

Goalkeepers have been singled out for special praise in the Kenyan Premier League following round of 15 matches which yielded 22 goals at the weekend.

Bandari custodian Farouk Shikhalo was the hero as the dockers battled to a barren draw with Mathare United at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday, denying Francis Kimanzi’s charges a chance to close the gap on leaders Gor Mahia.

The ‘Slum Boys’ remain second on the log with 26 points, four adrift of champions Gor Mahia. Shikhalo, up against a Mathare side led by his former coach at Tusker, Francis Kimanzi, produced three brilliant saves to shut Mathare forwards in both halves.

“Shikhalo has given us the impetus we needed between the sticks this season. He joined us in January hungry for playtime and he is giving in good performances each game,” the team’s assistant goalkeeper coach Wilson Oburu said.

The youngster, who joined the team after playing second fiddle to Kenyan international Patrick Matasi at Posta Rangers the entire last season, has kept eight clean sheets in 15 games so far.

“I want to keep 20 clean sheets this season and win my team as many points as possible,” said Shikhalo.

At Ruaraka grounds on Sunday, Kariobangi Sharks custodian John Oyemba denied Tusker forwards clear scoring opportunities as his side ended a seven-match winless run with a 2-1 win over Tusker.

Oyemba, too, produced top drawer saves in either half of the match and almost kept his sixth clean sheet this season had it not been for a defensive lapse at the death that allowed Boniface Muchiri to poke home Tusker’s consolation.

“He was exemplary. I believe he is not doing it for himself but for the team,” his coach William Muluya said.

And in Bukhungu, Kakamega Homeboyz shot-stopper Michael Wanyika stood out in his team’s 2-0 win over Chemelil Sugar.