Kenya: KPL Top Eight Kick Off Today

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Francis Wadegu

9 March 2011

TUSKER start favourites against Western Stima in the new Kenya Premier League Top Eight tournament starting tonight at Nyayo Stadium.

Brewers are top of the league after only two matches. But although this is no much achievement for Tusker, coach Sammy Omollo has strung together a remarkable sense of self-belief in the team and they’ll no doubt be challenging for league honours .

“Our secret has been to approach every game differently and look at the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents.We never underestimate any team,” said Omollo.

The tournament will be played on a mid-week basis till the winner walks home with the prize money of Sh1 million. Although the event has been deemed as an unnecessary distraction but in this case money matters. “It’s a good opportunity to keep the players sharp and also the financial side of things will be good for the players,” said Omollo .

Stima are not doing badly either in the league, having won one match and drawn the other to sit in the fourth position.They arrive by air this morning, a fete that will no doubt be a sound bonus for their players, many of whom have probably never been into an aeroplane. For players like Francis Chinjili and Mark Sirengo, they won’t be fazed by being in the air and it will be them who will be looked upon to provide the goals for Henry Omino’s side.

Other first round ties will see Sofapaka play Sony Sugar on March 16, Gor Mahia will face Mathare United on March 30 while league champions Ulinzi Stars tackle Karuturi Sports next month. All players will receive a match allowance every time they play.

Meanwhile, Rangers are determined to bounce back from the 3-0 mauling they were handed by AFC Leopards on Sunday.

“We will come back from this defeat. It was a lesson that we must keep our feet on the ground and not get carried away,” said striker Joseph Nyaga. After sending shock waves throughout the Kenya Premier League with the 3-0 drubbing over last year’s runner’s up Gor Mahia, it was expected they will do the same to another giant but Leopard were not ready into fall into their trap.

“Teams have realised that we are not going to be easy to beat and they are coming more prepared so it is up to us to also raise our level,” added the winger. Rangers get a chance to prove the stunning opening day win was not a one off when they tackle league new boys Congo United on Saturday.

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