Youthful coaches battle for maiden title

Kariobangi Sharks and Sofapaka Saturday clash at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in the 2018 SportPesa Shield final with Sh2 million prize money and a ticket to represent Kenya in next year’s Caf Confederation Cup at stake.

As both teams walk out of the Kasarani tunnel on Saturday afternoon, all eyes will be on their youthful coaches who meet for the first time in a SportPesa Shield final.

The 3pm kick-off sees Sofapaka’s 44-year-old John Baraza take on 32-year-old William Muluya with both coaches carrying less than a three-year experience in handling topflight clubs.

Of the two, Baraza boasts of an industrious career both internationally and locally.

He won three domestic cups as a player with Sofapaka in 2010 and 2014 and had stints in Tanzania, Malaysia and Sweden.

He leads the 2009 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions for the first time in the final after edging out holders AFC Leopards 1-0 in the September 23 semi-final at the same venue.

Muluya, on the other hand, has continued to reach new milestones with Sharks since replacing Michael Amenga in May 2016.

He was in charge in their first season in the topflight last year where they also finished second in the domestic cup after losing 2-0 to AFC Leopards in the October 20 final at Kasarani.

In addition, he finished third on the KPL standings, a feat that won him the KPL coach of the year award.

His team also produced the best goalkeeper in John Oyemba and top scorer in Masud Juma who netted 17 goals in the league last season.

Sharks, unbeaten in five matches against Batoto ba Mungu in all competitions, eliminated Ulinzi Stars 4-1 to reach their second final in a row.

Both teams have met five times with Sharks winning twice while three have ended level.

Muluya is banking on their better head to head against Sofapaka to favour their quest.

He has the league top scorer Eric Kapaito to rely on for goals and the tricky Harrison Mwendwa who has rediscovered himself at the club.

“I’m 100% sure this time round we’ve an edge because the boys have matured to handle such a demanding situation,” said Muluya, whose arsenals tossed out Sofapaka 3-1 in round of 16 of this tourney last year.

“We should win this one after coming third and second in previous two editions, I believe whoever makes less mistakes will win the game,” he added.

Sofapaka will do without the services of custodian Mathias Kigonya but welcome back Burundian defender Mousa Omar who missed the semi due to suspension.

“Kigonya asked to leave and as a club we thought it wise to let him go because clearly he was not in the right frame of mind to play,” Baraza confirmed on the Ugandan shot-stopper’s absence.

“There’s pressure to break a four-year trophy drought but we are equal to the task. Personally would like to attain history winning this cup as a player and coach,” added Baraza.

Meanwhile, defending champions AFC Leopards play Ulinzi Stars at noon in the third-place playoff whose winner pockets Sh750,000 and Sh500,000 for the losers. Runners up take home Sh1 million courtesy of sponsors, SportPesa.

Tickets have been priced at Sh100 flat rate.

FIXTURE

Third-place playoff

AFC Leopards v Ulinzi Stars (MISC Kasarani, 12pm)

Final

Kariobangi Sharks v Sofapaka (MISC Kasarani, 3.15pm)