Visiting City Stars promises Western Stima fire works
What you need to know:
- Stima coach Paul Ogai is wary of the threat posed by the Kawangware based side
- Both teams have met 17 times with the league leaders winning six
- The top two teams in the NSL will secure automatic promotion to the KPL
Nairobi City Stars visit National Super League (NSL) leaders Western Stima as the two former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) sides clash in round 33 of the second-tier on Sunday at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.
Ken Kenyatta's Ushuru, who were held to a goalless draw by Migori Youth (formerly Isibania) last Sunday, entertain Kangemi All Stars in another Sunday fixture at Camp Toyoyo grounds.
Back to the battle of the weekend where City Stars coach John Amboko believes they are still in the race for promotion despite sitting sixth on the 19-team table with 48 points, 19 behind Western Stima after 30 rounds.
“We still have 18 points to play for in the remaining six games, anything can happen in football, we are dreaming big,” Amboko told Nation Sport on Friday.
He added: “We know Kisumu is a tough hunting ground but if the match officials are fair, we can pull something out of it. I believe in strong mentality and proper preparations. We are not underrating Western Stima but we are going there to fight.”
Stima coach Paul Ogai, who saw his side edge Police 1-0 last Sunday, is wary of the threat posed by the Kawangware based side.
Both teams have met 17 times with the Kisumu based side winning six, City Stars two while nine of the matches have ended in a draw.
“Every game is a final for us. City Stars are a tough side but with five games to go, we are playing for maximum points lest we slip along the way and miss out on our targets,” said Ogai who will miss the services of injured midfielder Erastus Mwaniki.
The top two teams in the NSL at the end of the season will secure automatic promotion to the KPL. The third placed team will battle it out with the 16th placed team in the KPL in a two legged playoff for the remaining slot.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday
KCB v Kenya Police (Camp Toyoyo grounds, 11am)
Bidco United v Nairobi Stima (Thika Stadium, 3pm)
Kisumu AllStars v Migori Youth (Moi Stadium, 3pm)
Sunday
Nakuru AllStars v Coast Stima (Afraha Stadium, 11am)
Western Stima v City Stars (Moi Stadium, 3pm)
Modern Coast Rangers v Kibera Black Stars (Mbaraki grounds, 3pm)
Talanta v Golden Field Evengelism (GFE) (Camp Toyoyo grounds, 2pm)
Ushuru v Kangemi AllStars (Camp Toyoyo, 4.15pm)
