Bandari seek redemption against Tusker in KPL Top 8

Bandari will attempt to revive their disastrous start to the season when they tackle Tusker in the opening match of the annual Kenyan Premier League Top 8 Knockout tournament at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Later at the same venue, AFC Leopards and Ulinzi Stars, who were involved in a league no-holds-barred scrap in Mumias two weeks ago that ended prematurely over crowd trouble, renew their hostilities in the second encounter of the day.

Winners will qualify for a home and away semi-final.

Winners of the domestic cup last year, Bandari have found the going tough in the league this term despite massive recruitment of top notch players, and currently lie 10th in the league table, nine behind leaders Mathare United.

Bandari coach Twahir Muhiddin has repeatedly faulted his strikers for not doing their job, and he has appealed to his charges to give a more committed performance against the Ruaraka-based brewers on Sunday.

Bandari’s front runners include Shaban Kenga, Dan Sserunkuma, Anthony Kimani and Edwin Lavatsa.

“We are not in a good position in the league, but we have a chance to make a good start in this tournament,” Muhiddin told Sunday Nation Sport on Saturday.

“Our league title hopes are still alive because there are so many games remaining, but we shall also be looking to get a win here so that we can have a chance of winning this trophy.”

“The players haven’t had enough rest because we played on Thursday, and I really hope that fatigue will not be a problem tomorrow, (Sunday)” added the former Oserian Fastac and Harambee Stars coach.

The dockers’ form away from home has been their major undoing. They have only one win in their six away matches this season.

BATAMBUZE RETURNS

In Tusker, Bandari confront a side that is also fighting to return to winning ways after their 2-2 draw to Mathare United on Thursday and 1-0 loss to Posta Rangers in league fixtures last weekend.

Tusker will welcome back Shafiq Batambuze from suspension after he missed the midweek draw against Mathare.

The brewers Ugandan coach Paul Nkata has hinted at rotating his squad for the match, meaning his fringe players are likely to get some play time. The two teams drew 1-1 in their last meeting in Machakos.

“It is going to be a difficult match it being a knock-out. I would like to give the players who haven’t had much play time in the league, and I hope that they will deliver,” Nkata said.

Tomorrow, holders Gor Mahia will face Ushuru - who are making their first appearance in this competition.

Gor Mahia midfielder Collins “Gattuso” Okoth is however doubtful for the match, as he limped off during their 2-0 win over Bandari on Thursday with an ankle injury.

FIXTURES (All matches at Nyayo National Stadium)

Saturday

Bandari v Tusker 2pm

Ulinzi Stars v AFC Leopards 4.15pm

Sunday

Gor Mahia v Ushuru 2pm

Sofapaka v Muhoroni Youth 4.15pm