The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF PL) enters the homestretch beginning Thursday to the weekend with several matches on the cards.
The attention on this round will be on two teams, Tusker and KCB, who are all chasing for the ‘Moran Cup.’
Equal on points, no team can afford dropping points at this moment. The 11-time champions Tusker host Kakamega Homeboyz at Ruaraka grounds on Friday while KCB travel to Mumias Sports Complex to face relegation-threatened Vihiga United.
The Brewers are already motivated by the fact that they will be representing the country in the CAF Champions League next season and the club hierarchy is taking nothing for granted at the moment.
Tusker FC chairman Daniel Aduda has said the team will remain committed to ensure they win the remaining three games of the season and battle to clinch the FKF Premier League title.
“I am really proud of the players and what they have achieved so far. We have worked hard as a team straight from the management to the playing unit and despite the tough circumstances including the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen the team post good results,”
“Now we have three more tough games remaining and it is upon us to do our best and win the remaining matches. The motivation and team spirit is high and I remain confident that we will be on top at the end of the season,” Aduda added.
“As any other team which is preparing to play Continental football, we are bound to make changes in the team by bringing in new players to strengthen the team. At the moment our focus is to play the remaining three matches of the season and fight to win the league.”
“When the time comes we will make the additions in the team and that will be dependent on the advice from the technical bench who will tell us which are the weak areas that we need to strengthen,” he added.
Coach Robert Matano on the other hand knows the tough task ahead and will definitely try use the home advantage to reap maximum points from Nicholas Muyoti’s side.
For KCB, they are indeed in a very unfamiliar territory and will need extra motivation from their coach Zedekiah Otieno ‘Zico’ who is a proven winner.
Zico has had successes with Gor Mahia as a player and coach and right now he needs to help his boys see the job through.
Andre Casa Mbungo’s time at Bandari has not been very smooth but the latest surge in form has propelled the Dockers to third on the log. They might not be going for the title but a string finish will definitely help them plan better for next season.
Bandari host a rejuvenated Mathare United side at Mbaraki on Saturday, a match that is of more importance to the latter.
Coach Frank Ouna has resurrected his side from ruins and now they can smell survival after getting out of the relegation zone last weekend.
The 2008 champions are currently placed 15th with 24 points, ahead of Western Stima and Vihiga.
Thirteen-time KPL champions AFC Leopards finally won a game after six outings on matchday 31, edging Vihiga United 3-1 to move to fifth on the log. They make a short trip to Nakuru on Thursday afternoon to face Ulinzi Stars. This will be a tricky affair for both sides who feel they can reap maximum points from this game.
Bidco host Betway Cup champions Gor Mahia at Thika Stadium on Saturday. When the two sides met in the Cup semis, K’Ogalo edged out the Oilers 4-1 on post match penalties to sail to the finals.
In another match, Kariobangi Sharks will host Nzoia Sugar at Thika Stadium on Friday, while Nairobi City Stars and Posta Rangers will square out Ruaraka Grounds on Saturday.
Wazito and Sofapaka meet at Thika Stadium on Saturday in the early kickoff.