AFC Leopards gaffer Belgian Patrick Aussems has expressed confidence in his players' potential to collect maximum points against Bandari at Mbaraki Sports Club on Sunday.
The 13-time Kenyan champions will look to bounce back from their heart-wrenching Mashemeji derby defeat to arch-rivals Gor Mahia, who pipped them 1-0 at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Wednesday.
But despite suffering their seventh consecutive loss at the hands of their bitter opponents, Aussems has tipped his squad to prevail in Mombasa, pointing out he is quite impressed with the quality they have exhibited in their recent encounters.
“I am very satisfied with the standards of football my players have shown of late. To be honest, if we keep playing the way we have done lately, we will give our fans a pleasant surprise at the end of the season,” said Aussem.
Aussem cited their match against K'Ogalo as a clear testimony they had actually begun putting their house in order.
“Since I came to Kenya, this is the first time I saw a team afraid of us, especially in the second half. We dominated the Mashemeji derby in the second half against Gor. Actually, we were the only team playing,” said Aussems.
The Belgian, who joined Leopards at the beginning of the preceding season urged the club's top brass to consider plunging into the ongoing transfer market to fish out some razor-sharp strikers.
“That means we are on the right track. Now we really need to recruit strikers to solve our offensive problems but that's the job of the board,” he said.
There had been widespread fear Ingwe would limp throughout the season following a mass exodus of key players but they have so far put up a resilient character that saw them stun defending champions Tusker 1-0 in their opening fixture.
They will hope to end their 20-year title drought after wrapping up in an impressive fourth position last season.
On the other hand, Bandari are keen to reclaim command of the log after momentarily losing grip following a 2-0 drubbing by Posta Rangers on Wednesday.
Kariobangi Sharks will hope to maintain the impressive form that saw them register an emphatic 3-0 win over newbies Vihiga Bullets when they square off with Wazito at Kasarani Annex on Sunday.
It won't be a walk in the park for William Muluya's charges given the moneybags will be eager to collect their first win after registering a draw and two losses in their previous matches.
After thumping Wazito 3-1 at Thika Stadium on Thursday, Nairobi City Stars return to action against Bidco United at the asame venue on Sunday.
Mathare United are high on confidence heading into their match against Nzoia Sugar at Sudi Stadium, Bungoma, after crashing Sofapaka 2-1 on Wednesday.
In other matches scheduled for Sunday, Kakamega Homeboyz host Posta Rangers at Bukhungu as KCB flex muscles with visiting Sofapaka at Thika Stadium.
Fixtures pitting champions Tusker against Kenya Police at Ruaraka Grounds and Gor Mahia against Ulinzi at ASK Grounds Nakuru have been postponed given both the brewers and K'Ogalo are involved in continental assignments this weekend.
