Mathare tackle Leopards, Gor host Nzoia

AFC Leopards coach Robert Matano and petulant midfielder Collins Okoth remain suspended as his team plays Mathare United on Saturday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Matano was suspended late last week following a string of poor performances by AFC Leopards, and his position on the touchline temporarily taken by his assistant Dennis Kitambi. Nation Sport has learnt that the 54-year-old tactician did not attend any of the team’s training sessions this week, and Kitambi is expected remain in charge for Saturday’s game.

The situation is the same for former Gor Mahia midfielder Okoth who has also missed training for the third week running, fuelling suspicion that he no is longer interested in being part of the team.

BORE DRAWS

But if last weekend’s results are anything to go by, the 13-time Kenyan champions have little to worry about. Ingwe registered a 2-0 win over Sony Sugar in Awendo in the absence of both Matano and Okoth in what was only the team’s second win of the season.

Matches involving Ingwe and Mathare have for a long time been termed as bore draw fixtures owing to the fact that all their last six meetings since 2015 have ended either in barren draws or one-all stalemates.

Last season, both games ended in barren draws, but that could change as Mathare seek to dislodge leaders and champions Gor Mahia, who play Nzoia Sugar on Sunday at the same venue, from the summit of the KPL table, and Ingwe appear keen on getting back on track and reviving their hopes of clinching this year’s title.

“I have always said that the team is not about individuals. So our desire to win games doesn’t change just because some members of the squad are absent,” Kitambi said.

Mathare warmed up for this match with 4-2 win over National Super League side KCB on Thursday at camp Toyoyo grounds in Nairobi, with rookie forward Elijah Mwanzia managing a brace as Andrew Juma and Ahmad Ahmed provided the other goals.

Having drawn 1-1 with Thika United last weekend, second-placed Mathare, coached by Francis Kimanzi, will be eager to collect three points against Ingwe.

Mathare will miss the services of John Mwangi who fell ill early this week, but his squad will benefit from the return of long term absentees Roy Syamba and Abubakar Keya.

FIXTURES

Saturday:

Kariobangi Sharks v Sofapaka (Machakos, 2pm)

Kakamega Homeboyz v Ulinzi Stars (Bukhungu, 3pm)

Zoo Kericho v Vihiga United (Kericho Green Stadium, 3pm)

Posta Rangers v Wazito (Narok Stadium, 3pm)

Tusker v Thika United (Ruaraka Grounds, 3pm)

Mathare United v AFC Leopards (Machakos, 4.15pm)

Sunday:

Nakumatt v Chemelil Sugar (Machakos, 2pm)

Bandari v Sony Sugar (Mombasa, 3pm)

Gor Mahia v Nzoia Sugar (Machakos, 4.15pm)