Mathare look to the close gap on leaders Gor Mahia

By  Vincent Opiyo, SJ

What you need to know:

  • The Slum Boys have won three out of their four meetings against fifth-placed Nzoia with the other ending in a draw.
  • On Thursday, Tusker hosts Ulinzi Stars at Ruaraka grounds without the trio of striker Edwin Lavatsa, winger Paul Odhiambo and left back David Mwangi, who were released immediately the June transfer window opened on Friday.

The 2008 champions Mathare United visit Nzoia Sugar in one of the four SportPesa Premier League (SPL) matches on Wednesday seeking to close the four-point gap on leaders Gor Mahia.

Mathare United, who beat Zoo Kericho 3-1 last Saturday, are second on 30 points, four below champions Gor Mahia who have three matches in hand.

Gor are busy battling it out in the second edition of SportPesa Super Cup in Nakuru with a ticket to play English Premier League (EPL) side Everton next month at stake for the winners.

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Mathare, buoyed by Zoo win, their eighth in 17 matches, would like to start the second leg on a sound note.

“As a team we achieved our target of 30 points in the first leg which is a big boost for us compared to last season. It’s a big motivation development wise also,” said assistant coach Salim Ali, who will take charge of the team for the second time in the absence of head coach Francis Kimanzi.

Kimanzi is away in India with the national team Harambee Stars which is participating in the inaugural Hero Intercontinental Cup.

Added Salim: “It was difficult going for six matches without victory but after last weekend, the morale is high in camp and we would like to start the second leg on a very high note against Nzoia.”

The Slum Boys have won three out of their four meetings against fifth-placed Nzoia with the other ending in a draw.

On Thursday, Tusker hosts Ulinzi Stars at Ruaraka grounds without the trio of striker Edwin Lavatsa, winger Paul Odhiambo and left back David Mwangi, who were released immediately the June transfer window opened on Friday.

Tusker coach Robert Matano hinted on bringing in players who can add depth to the team after a sluggish start to the season.

The sides have met 21 times with the brewers winning eight times, while seven encounters have ended in draws.

Ulinzi are third on the table with 28 points, nine ahead of 13th placed Tusker, who are winless in three consecutive league games.

FIXTURES (All matches kick offat 3pm unless stated otherwise)

Wednesday

Nzoia Sugar v Mathare United (Sudi Stadium, Bungoma)

Thika United v Posta Rangers (Thika Sub county Stadium)

Sofapaka v Chemelil Sugar (Narok County Stadium)

Nakumatt v Wazito (Camp Toyoyo grounds, 4.15pm)

Thursday

Bandari v Vihiga United (Mbaraki Sports Club)

Tusker v Ulinzi Stars (Ruaraka grounds)

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