Shabana FC secretary general Elizaphan Kerama anticipates a tough match against champions Gor Mahia on Saturday at Mambo Leo Stadium, Kisumu.
Gor Mahia lead the 18-team log with 60 points from 28 matches while Shabana are 15th with 28 points and flirting dangerously with relegation.
“The match between the defending champions Gor Mahia and the National Super League (NSL) champions Shabana promises to be an event where the outcome is uncertain until the final whistle blows,” he commented.
Gor Mahia edged out Shabana 1-0 in the reverse fixture in November with Rooney Onyango scoring late at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
“The anticipation is palpable. Expectations from both ends are high with each team fighting for a course. This match will no doubt be the weekend highlight,” he added.
A win for Shabana will push them clear of the relegation zone, while a for Gor Mahia will take them closer to a historic 21st title.
Kerama urged fans to turn out in large numbers to rally behind the team.
“The fans should turn up in large numbers and support the team. This match is crucial in our fight against relegation,” he observed.
Meanwhile, coach Anthony Akhulia said Bidco United will seek inspiration from last week's 3-1 win over Muhoroni Youth when they face Kakamega Homeboyz at the Dandora Stadium.
Emmanuel Nyabuti struck a brace for Bidco, Samuel Ndungu hit the third.
Homeboyz and Bidco are eighth and ninth respectively, with 40 points each and separated by goal difference.
Homebooyz won December's reverse fixture 1-0 through Christopher Masinza's 10th-minute goal.
"We have been working on a few areas as we seek to perform better against Homeboyz," Akhulia said.
"Training has been good. The players are in good shape and we look forward to the clash on Saturday."
Kenya Police — unbeaten this calendar year — host Nairobi City Stars at the Police Sacco stadium on Sunday.
A win for the law enforcers will put pressure on leaders Gor. Police are second in the league, nine points adrift of the champions.
Sofapaka, the 2009 KPL champions, will seek to climb out of the relegation zone when they face 10th-placed Kariobangi Sharks at Dandora Stadium on Saturday.
Bandari host Posta Rangers at Mombasa Sports Club. The coastal side are fifth with 45 points, three better than Rangers at sixth.
Talanta host AFC Leopards at Dandora Stadium, hoping for a better outcome than in the reverse encounter, which ended in a goalless draw.
