• GSU play against Zamalek, Smouha and Suez Canal prior to event's kick off on Sunday.
• Nicholas Matui will make his debut at the African event .
Image: ERICK BARASA
General Service Unit have secured three friendly matches against Egyptian top sides ahead of the African Club Championship that serves off on Sunday in Cairo, Egypt.
The paramilitary side will play against Zamalek, Smouha and Suez Canal prior to event's kick off on Sunday.
Team manager Nicholas Kimeli said the friendlies are timely as they will help them gauge their preparedness ahead of the event.
“I’m glad that we have finally secured three build-up matches with top clubs in the Egypt league ahead of the event. We will play Zamalek on Thursday, take on Smouha on Friday before we wrap up with a match against Canal on Saturday,” said the official.
He added: “We have been improving with every championship and we hope to go a notch higher this year, having finished fifth last time. To be precise, we are targeting a podium finish this time around. We know it’s not going to be easy but we will give it our best shot."
Meanwhile, left attacker Nicholas Matui will make his debut at the African event after he was drafted in the 14-member squad that departs to Egypt this evening.
Matui joined the paramilitary side from Nairobi Water early last year and he, therefore, didn’t make it to the travelling squad last time.
Matui will, however, jostle for starting line-up against experienced Bonfentry Wekesa, the hard-hitting Cornelius Kiplagat and Naftali Chumba.
Unveiling the squad yesterday after their last training session at the Indoor Arena at Kasarani, team coach Gideon Tarus said the team has improved in all the departments and he is positive of improved performance.
“Matui has shown growth and has been impressive in the training. However, I’m glad that the ample time we have had training indoors has been helpful as we have tightened all the loose ends and we are good to go,” said Tarus
He added: “We are departing to Egypt tomorrow (today) some days to the championship and with the early arrival it will help us adapt to the weather.”
Squad—Nicholas Lagat, Naftali Chumba, Shadrack Misiko, Solomon Bitok, David Kirwa, Alex Kariuki, Cornelius Rotich, Abiud Kipkirui, Brian Melly, Bonfetry Wekesa, Cornelius Lagat, Nicholas Matui, Simion Kipkorir, Noah Bett and Cornelius Kiplagat; Officials: Gideon Tarus, Danson Tali, Gabriel Metkei, Moses Epoloto, Solomon Bitok, Benjamin Kogo and accompanying referee Nicodemus Onsongo.