Defending champions Kariobangi Sharks get their campaign underway against lower division side, Elim from Trans Nzoia as the round of 32 of the SportPesa Shield knockout tournament take centre stage this weekend with matches lined up across the country.
All but five matches will be played this afternoon, where the Moi Stadium, Kisumu and the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega are set to host doubleheaders. Four more will be played tomorrow with a doubleheader on the cards at Camp Toyoyo.
Gor’s match against KenPoly, meanwhile, will be played on Wednesday next week. Sharks have taken to the tournament like fish to water and after several near misses, they clinched the famous knockout cup competition by edging out Sofapaka.
They should have no problem reaching the last 16 at the Bukhungu Stadium, where the fifth tier side have set up their ambush. Struggling Kenyan Premier League side Western Stima will be the most vulnerable side today as they face Kamukunji-based Uprising St. Ruaraka. Undoubtedly the division three side will receive huge local support from their bases in Eastleigh, Pumwani and Madiwa.
Playing at the coast is never easy for upcountry teams thus Ulinzi Stars clash against SS Assad carries another giant-killing threat for a top club who will make changes in their starting eleven to stem the fatigue that has crept in having played almost two games a week this year.
Top tier leaders Sofapaka must make a delicate balancing act as they pursue another league title 10 years after winning their first in their historic debut in 2009. Coach John Baraza and his ever-demanding President Elly Kalekwa desire a trophy both having won this competition twice in the past.
AFC Leopards having ended their worst league run of defeats with two successive victories before the midweek loss will want to bring the feel-good factor back quickly with a straightforward win over Division one side Transfoc in Bungoma.
Tomorrow, Bandari will start their quest for another Shield with victory over Kayo at Camp Toyoyo.
