Leopards look to end skid, Gor face Chemelil test
Thika United's Eugene Mukangula (left) goes past Gor Mahia's Harun Shakava during their Kenyan Premier League match on April 22, 2018 at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Kitambi is however enduring a rough patch with the big cats, as the team has failed to record victory in four consecutive league matches.
- It remains to be seen whether Kitambi will stick with Ezekiel Owade in goal again after handing him his first start of the season against Bandari, or he will start with Jairus Adira.
- Veteran striker Ezekiel Odera is expected to lead the hunt for goals for Leopards, and will be motivated after being named Player of the Month for March by sports journalists on Tuesday.
Stuttering AFC Leopards will be seeking redemption Wednesday afternoon when they tackle Kariobangi Sharks in their 12th Kenyan Premier League match of the season in Thika.
At Camp Toyoyo grounds, Robert Matano will begin his second stint as Tusker coach when he leads the brewers against Wazito, while champions and leaders Gor Mahia travel to Chemelil Sugar.
Bandari, fresh from beating AFC Leopards 1-0 last weekend, host resurgent Zoo Kericho, who beat Tusker 3-1 on Saturday in which was coach Sam Timbe’s last match in charge of the brewers.
In Thika, Leopards will be hoping to turn around their fortunes as they gear up for next week’s Mashemeji derby against eternal rivals Gor Mahia – with the winner set to play English Football League Championship side Hull City in a friendly match on May 13.
Leopards have confirmed that although Ingwe’s incoming coach Argentine coach Rodolfo Zapata is already in the country, interim coach Dennis Kitambi will take charge of the match as per their earlier agreement which states that the Tanzanian remains in charge until May 8.
Kitambi is however enduring a rough patch with the big cats, as the team has failed to record victory in four consecutive league matches.
It remains to be seen whether Kitambi will stick with Ezekiel Owade in goal again after handing him his first start of the season against Bandari, or he will start with Jairus Adira.
Veteran striker Ezekiel Odera is expected to lead the hunt for goals for Leopards, and will be motivated after being named Player of the Month for March by sports journalists on Tuesday.
Odera, who scored four goals for his club last month, will be receive support from Whyvonne Isuza and Jaffery Odeny.
“I’m elated beyond words at being recognised for my performance in March.
It was a challenging month with the funeral but I’m thankful to the AFC Leopards family for standing with me and my teammates for the great team work that saw us through,” Odera, who was signed from National Super League side Nairobi City Stars in January, said.
FIXTURES
AFC Leopards v K. Sharks (Thika, 2pm)
Chemelil Sugar v Gor Mahia (Kericho, 3pm)
Bandari v Zoo Kericho (Mombasa, 3pm)
Wazito v Tusker (Camp Toyoyo, 3pm)
