Tension is building up as the relegation battle six-pointer looms between two former champions, Sikh Union and Strathmore University Gladiators.
Sikh won the title in 2012 while Strathmore has lifted the trophy thrice, on debut in 2006, 2010 and 2016. They also emerged second-best in Africa in 2011.
Both sides have been floundering in the lower reaches of the men's Premier League table for the better part of the season and tomorrow's tie promises to be a pulsating encounter. Strathmore are eighth with 10 points, one point and slot above Sikh. Gladiators also face USIU on Sunday.
Gladiators' struggles can be attributed to Meshack Senge's current rebuilding. Senge lost three-quarters of the team last season including the duo of Derrick Kuloba and Francis Kariuki (Butali) as well as Dan Onyango (Parklands).
Former Strathmore skipper and current Sikh Union captain Haggai Pepela, said: "I was the captain when Strathmore got promoted to the Premier League unbeaten and won the league twice. It is the team that mentored me but I will put that aside because we all have to survive. Our only win this season was against them. It will be an emotional match because it's like sinking your own boat but I will have to be loyal to my current employers."
"Teammates Nelson Shihale, Fidelis Okello and Allan Iningu are former Strathmore players and we will combine to get the job done. Our experience will be too much for our opponents," he added.
Strathmore skipper Festus Onyango, who was part of the title-winning side regretted the 3-1 first-leg loss, terming it 'easiest win' but said his side have a point to prove.
He said: "We just have to fight our own battle and see what happens. It is a determinant. We will do our talking on the field. Their win against us was the cheapest because we gave two needless flicks in the last quarter but we are much ready."
"We appreciate they are an experienced side and we cannot buy it. They are slower and will use our speed and agility to harm them," remarked the deadly striker who has scored seven goals this season to rank third in the chart.
The war of words will surely come to an end tomorrow and whoever wins will be in a better position to avoid the drop.
