Charles Nyende
28 June 2011
Nairobi — The poor, overused, grass blades at the Nyayo National Stadium will by the end of the day host the fifth football match in as many days, but non of the Kenyan Premier League combatants on Wednesday will be thinking about botany.
Second-placed Tusker will be looking to regain the lead spot in the table when they take on Thika United at 4 pm before the new-look AFC Leopards entertain a formidable Sofapaka side from 7pm.
Since Saturday, the Nyayo surface has hosted three matches – the last on Monday after Sunday’s downpour rendered the pitch unplayable.
There is no respite though for Kenya’s second biggest stadium as KPL heavyweights take to the pitch. Tusker coach Sammy Omollo has made it clear he wants to finish his first-leg assignments on a high.
“Our objective is to regain our rightful place at the top of the league table and we can do it tomorrow (Wednesday) by getting all the three points,” Omollo said.
The brewers will be boosted by their new signings, former AFC Leopards front runner Itubu Imbem and former Gor Mahia forward Ibrahim Kitawi.
Tusker could get an even bigger kick should former Simba and Kenya international Hillary Echesa gets his clearance to feature on Wednesday.
Tusker winless in three matches
Tusker have, however, not won in three matches, their last victory coming on May 14 against Nairobi City Stars.
The second match will feature will against ability. Leopards, with eight new recruits, will have a passionate following willing them to victory against one of the most talented side in the league.
Leopards’ coach Nick Yakhama has cautioned patience from the demanding club following.
“Even at the highest level new players need time to gel. I have only had three days of training with my full squad.
“The new players are good players and perhaps today’s encounter will give us a feel of how much we need to work,” Yakhama said.
Expected to feature for Leopards are Collins Kisuya, Mike Baraza and Jimmy Bageya. Yakhama said another new signing Charles Okwemba was struggling with malaria and was doubtful.
Leopards are winless in four matches and should expect no favours from a resurgent Sofapaka side looking to return to the top level of the KPL league.
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