Leaders Mathare tackle Tusker, Sofakapa visit Thika

Leaders Mathare United will on Sunday face off with former champions Tusker in Ruaraka in one of the eight Kenyan Premier League matches scheduled for the weekend.

AFC Leopards will be seeking redemption following Monday’s 4-2 thumping by Tusker in Kericho when they take on Nzoia Sugar at the Mumias Sports Complex. The loss to Tusker halted a four-match winning streak on Monday.

And debutants Vihiga United, who collected their first win of the season three days ago against Ulinzi Stars, will hope to build up on this achievement when face Chemelil Sugar in Mumias.

All eyes will however be on the battle in Ruaraka, where Mathare will be looking to consolidate their lead on the KPL table where they currently lead champions Gor Mahia by a point, although K'Ogalo have two games in hand.

Gor Mahia face South Africa's SuperSport United in the Caf Confederation Cup play-off, first leg match on Sunday in Machakos.

Mathare seem to have learned important lessons after escaping relegation by a whisker last season, and have been grinding some impressive results so far this season.

On Wednesday, the Slum Boys beat Nakumatt 3-2 in Ruaraka, a result that left coach Francis Kimanzi purring with confidence.

“We are gradually getting there. I see the boys have learned to string passes, they are more adventurous in terms of attack and more importantly, they are converting chances. Some may think that we are conceding too many goals, but for me that’s not a problem as long as the team stays winning,” he said.

Kimanzi will be facing his former employers, as will a number of Mathare United players including Clifford Alwanga and Samuel Olwande.

In Tusker, Mathare will be facing a rather unpredictable side. The brewers are enduring a rough start to the season, and have won just twice in eight games.

The 11-time champions are however on a high after beating Leopards 4-2 in Kericho in their last outing.

Timothy Otieno, who struck a brace in the match, will once again be relied upon by coach Sam Timbe to bring in the goals.

“Training has been good and by the way it is good to be back at Ruaraka. Winning against Leopards last weekend was good because now the confidence levels within us have improved,” Otieno told Nation Sport.

At the Awendo Green Stadium, Sony Sugar will start life without head coach Salim Babu, who parted ways with the club on Thursday, when they take on Kariobangi Sharks. Ulinzi Stars will be away to Bandari in Mombasa with both teams seeking to bounce back from their previous disappointments in their last league outings.

Bottom-placed Zoo Kericho will also be hoping for better tidings when they host Posta Rangers at their Kericho backyard.

Fixtures:

Sunday

Vihiga United v Chemelil Sugar (Mumias Complex, 2pm)

Mathare United v Tusker (Ruaraka Grounds, 3pm)

Kakamega Homeboyz v Nakumatt (Bukhungu, 3pm)

Thika United v Sofapaka (Thika Stadium, 3pm)

Zoo v Posta Rangers (Kericho Green Stadium, 3pm)

Sony Sugar v Kariobangi Sharks (Awendo Green Stadium, 3pm)

Bandari v Ulinzi Stars (Mombasa, 3pm)

Nzoia Sugar v AFC Leopards (Mumias Complex, 3pm)