Charles Nyende
29 August 2008
Nairobi — Mathare United take on Sony Sugar at Moi International Sports Centre on Saturday in a Kenyan Premier League top of the table clash that may very well decide the shape the title chase will take.
A win for league leaders Mathare, on 38 points and with a game in hand against second placed Sony with 37 points will open a more reassuring four point lead.
But a loss will keep Mathare firmly held back in the chasing pack ensuring a tight race as the league heads towards its last quarter.
The smart money should be on Mathare edging out the visiting former champions. The slum side boasts of an array of experienced figures either end of their international careers.
Duncan Ochieng, recalled to the national team after a four year hiatus, rugged defender Edgar Ochieng, midfielder Austin Makacha and season revelation, striker Francis Ouma offer Mathare coach Francis Ouma a potent line up.
But Sony Sugar will not sloth and let Mathare walk over them. The sugar side have ambitions to reclaim the title they won in 2006.
Sony coach Francis Baraza said they aimed to keep the pressure on Mathare in the race and with the likes of Joakim Atudo, Tom Ochieng and Zachayo Kisekeli, will provide a stern test for Mathare. Third placed World Hope cannot afford to slip when they meet KCB today at Nyayo Stadium.
On Sunday, struggling Tusker under stand-in coaches Neville Apudo and George Maina, following the sacking of Jacob "Ghost" Mulee, face relegation-threatened Gor Mahia at Nyayo Stadium from 2 pm.
May not produce form
Tusker with a quality line up featuring internationals John Njoroge, Joseph Shikokoti, Ibrahim Shikanda and Osborn Monday have inexplicably failed to win a match since triumphing at the Cecafa club championship last month.
The brewers may not produce the form that saw them beat the out of sorts Gor Mahia 3-0 in the first leg but one feels the are still capable of getting something out of Gor. Nyayo Stadium will two hours later stage another match between Mahakama and Ulinzi.
Saturday - KCB v World Hope (Nyayo Stadium), Thika United v Chemelil Sugar (Thika Municipal Stadium), Mathare Youth v Agro Chemicals (World Hope), Mathare United v Sony Sugar (MISC).
Sunday - Tusker v Gor Mahia (Nyayo Stadium 2 pm), Mahakam v Ulinzi (Nyayo Stadium), Bandari v Sher Karuturi (Mombasa Municipal Stadium), Western Stima v Red Berets (Bukhungu Stadium).
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