Wobbly Sharks face Tusker test, Leopards prey on Nakumatt

Resurgent Tusker with be looking to continue with their steady rise up the standings when they entertain wobbling Kariobangi Sharks at the Ruaraka grounds on Sunday.

On Saturday, AFC Leopards coach Rodolfo Zapata will be chasing his first win in the league as he faces bottom side Nakumatt in Machakos while Mathare United will explore their chance of returning to second place with a match against Bandari at the same venue.

Posta Rangers face Nzoia Sugar at Camp Toyoyo on Sunday.

At Ruaraka, it will be the third meeting between the sides that have never let in a goal between them since June last year when they first met at this level.

Sharks, then league debutants, put in spirited fights to hold the 11-time champions to identical 0-0 draws last season.

Sharks and Tusker are separated by just two points, Tusker at ninth and Kariobangi Sharks in 11th place on the KPL table.

The brewers have been on a winning streak over the past three weeks following the return of Robert Matano as coach.

From a precarious slide reflected in an unflattering record for such a big club of just two wins in 11 games, Matano’s boys have stringed together three consecutive wins, and maintaining a perfect record will be top on the veteran coach’s agenda as he faces the predatory fish on Sunday.

Sharks on the other hand are enduring a tough patch, as they have gone seven games without victory.

AMBUNYA SUSPENDED

Collins Shivachi is likely to be recalled into the starting line-up at right back while Marlon Tangauzi shifts to the left to stand in for the suspended Eric Ambunya, who saw red during their last assignment against Bandari.

The brewers’ defender Lloyd Wahome is also ruled out of this clash after he sustained a soft tissue injury on his right knee in the same match. Matano could pair Justine Omary with Eugene Asike in central defence in Wahome's absence.

Tusker will look to in form midfielder Brian Osumba, who scored a double last weekend, and rising striker Timothy Otieno.

“My players trust in themselves, and are always rectifying their mistakes as we approach a new match, and that is the secret to our new form. They are up to the task,” said Matano.

Sharks have Eric Kapaito to rely on for the goals which have been in scarce supply at the club in recent times.

“We are not winning games, but at least we are scoring. We are scoring at least one goal in every match so we need to increase that tally,” said Sharks coach William Muluya.

FIXTURES

Saturday

Mathare United v Bandari (Machakos Stadium, 2pm)

Sofapaka v Zoo (Narok Stadium, 3pm)

AFC Leopards v Nakumatt (Machakos Stadium. 4.15pm)

Sunday

Kakamega Homeboyz v Chemelil Sugar (Bukhungu, 3pm)

Thika United v Sony Sugar (Thika, 3pm)

Vihiga United v Wazito (Mumias, 3pm)

Tusker v Kariobangi Sharks (Ruaraka Grounds, 3pm)

Posta Rangers v Nzoia Sugar (Camp Toyoyo, 3pm)