Tusker in focus

All eyes will be on Tusker today as they play their first match since the departure of title winning coach Sammy Omollo. The reigning Kenya Premier League champions tackle Sony Sugar today in a tricky Premiership match.

Former Omollo’s assistant coach George Maina, who was elevated to take over the reigns at brewers, is quietly confident that the change of guard will spur the players to do their best and get their title defence bid back on track. “I think the players will be more motivated to go out there and win because not only is it their job but also the mentality of the club,” he said.

The brewers might have been on a poor run generally, but their loss to Mathare United was their first loss in six matches. “The team is in good shape. We have had a good training session and we are ready to face our opponents,” he added. While the brewers suffered defeat in their last outing, their opponents—Zedekiah Otieno’s Sony Sugar—put together an important win that dragged them into 10th place in the standings.

They, however, have not had it easy in their travels to the City, having lost three of their last outings here. This will not inspire their confidence and they will generally have to do more to overturn the results. Sofapaka too will be in action today and will be hoping for an improved result as they bid to close the gap on league leaders AFC Leopards.

Salim Ali’s men are seven points off the pace in the race for the league title but a win today against Nairobi City Stars will move them closer to the top. Sofapaka will be without skipper James Situma who is serving a one match suspension. Tomorrow, Muhoroni Youth will be looking to haul themselves out of the relegation zone when they host Mathare United. Alfred Imonje’s men found themselves in the drop zone following their defeat to Sony last time out and will need a win against rejuvenated Mathare to get out of the area.