Kenya: Rangers Shock Critics By Sitting in Pole Position

Odindo Ayieko

30 May 2011

Nairobi — Who would have imagined Rangers topping the Kenyan Premier League standings?

Prior to the 2011 league’s kick-off many people had dismissed Rangers. The side was even dismissed as a candidate for relegation.

Even when they hammered Gor Mahia 3-0 on day one, very few people took notice. But they have proved doubters wrong, beating Sofapaka and Tusker, both title contenders and former champions.

On Sunday, Rangers moved to the top of the Premiership table standings following their 2-1 victory over bottom side Nairobi City Stars with goals from Charles Okwemba and Edwin Mwaura.

Rangers have lost only once and, if they do not lose players in the June transfer window, will surely be among the title contenders.

The victory also saw Rangers open a two-point gap at the top, with 28 points from 13 games. Tusker, who did not have a match, are second with 26 points from 12 outings.

Rangers coach Michael Nam says his boys are not getting carried away by their recent performance.

“They are professionals. They know the fight is not yet won. Every other day they encourage themselves and work even harder and whenever we win they thank God,” said Nam.

‘We are getting better’

“We know our weaknesses and we take that as a challenge; that is why we keep moving. We know everybody now wants to see Rangers fall but, shock on them, we are getting better.”

Kenya Commercial Bank had an opportunity to top the league on Saturday but let champions Ulinzi Stars off the hook.

The bankers had only eight minutes to hold onto their lead after Eric Okoth had put them ahead early in the match but Ulinzi managed to salvage a point in the 82nd minute courtesy of a Mulinge Munandi header.

That saw the soldiers remain in fourth spot with 23 points while KCB stay third with 24 from 13 games.

Chemelil Sugar moved to 10th after a laboured 1-0 win over Congo United, their third victory this season, and coach Edward Manoah will feel relieved given his side has gone four games without a win.

But all is not well on Gilbert Selebwa’s Congo bench as the Coast debutants lie 13th with 10 points, staring at the chop.

Western Stima remained fifth after their barren draw with Karuturi Sports.

Weekend KPL results

Karuturi 0 Western Stima 0, Ulinzi Stars 1 KCB 1, Chemelil Sugar 1 Congo United 0, Rangers 2 Nairobi City Stars 1

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