•Both teams are tied on 61 points but Murang’a Seal has a better goal difference. Shabana has a game at hand.
•Shabana coach Sammy Okoth says his charges are keen to reclaim the top position.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA
National Super League title contenders Murang’a Seal and Shabana return to action on Sunday as the battle for promotion hots up.
Log leaders Murang’a Seal will hope to extend their lead at the top of the table when they travel to Mombasa for an encounter against Coastal Heroes at Mbaraki Sports grounds while Shabana will be at home against fourth-placed neighbours Migori Youth at Gusii Stadium.
Both teams are tied on 61 points but Murang’a Seal has a better goal difference. Shabana has a game in hand. Last weekend, Shabana was held to a disappointing barren draw by archrivals Gusii FC in a Kisii derby whereas Murang’a Seal was not in action.
“It feels good to be at the top and we don’t want to surrender. Our target in Mombasa is three points. We are only focusing on winning our four remaining games,” said Murang’ Seal coach Vincent Nyaberi.
His Shabana counterpart Sammy Okoth said his charges are keen to reclaim the top position.
“Promotion to the Kenya Premier League is on course and there is no need to panic. Last weekend, we dropped two critical points but we are looking forward to the Migori Youth game,” said the tactician.’
On Thursday, Shabana legend Peter Kamau aka ‘Kasskass’asked the players to remain focused.
“This is a very critical moment in your campaign. Stay focused, resilient, disciplined, and positive, and have a winning mentality. That’s how you can handle pressure and huge expectations from fans,” he said during a pep talk after an afternoon training at Gusii Stadium.
Migori Youth are battling for at least the sole play-off place with third-placed Mara Sugar. Mara walloped a hapless Silibwet Leones 7-0 on Monday to leapfrog Migori into the third position. Both teams have accumulated 53 points from 33 games.
Shabana are seeking a return to the KPL after more than 10 years in the cold while Murang’a Seal, Migori Youth and Mara Sugar are hoping for their first appearance in the top tier. Mara Sugar, coached by Francis Xavier, host SS Assad at Awendo Green Stadium on Saturday. The defining moment of the season awaits top-of-the-table sides Murang’a Seal and Shabana on July 2 at St. Sebastian. The match could potentially have significant implications for the final outcome.
In other matches lined up for Saturday, Vihiga United host Mombasa Elites at Mumias Sports Complex as Kibera Black Stars entertain Darajani Gogo at Ligi Ndogo grounds on Ngong Road. On Sunday, Mwatate United will invite Silibwet Leones to Wundanyi Stadium in Taita Taveta.