All eyes on Sharks, Nakumatt as Zoo close in

Fresh from tearing apart fellow National Super League (NSL) side, KCB, in the GOtv Shield Cup third place play-offs on Thursday, Kariobangi Sharks take on rivals Nakumatt FC in what will be the highlight as the second-tier league enters its 30th round.

The Sharks (55) dropped points at home to Wazito FC (34) and away at Vihiga United (51) with both clashes ending in one all draws and face yet their biggest test when they travel to second-placed Nakumatt (58) on Monday.

Third-placed Zoo Kericho FC (57) have a relatively easier fixture as they travel to Police FC and could break into the top two with a win as the competition for promotion places gets hotter with Nzoia United (73) the outright leaders.

“It’s just a match like any other and we’re very prepared for the game. This has been very hard season and replicating our form for two consecutive seasons has been challenging. God-willing we can fight hard to the very end and secure promotion,” Zoo Club Chairman, Ken Ochieng’ told Citizen Digital.

The Kericho-based outfit will benefit from any result from the Sharks versus Nakumatt clash but has urged his charges not to look back at their opponents and instead take each match at a time.

Meanwhile, Sharks Team Manager, Stephen Otieno, rallied his side to make their chances as he predicts the league to go down to the wire adding the top four teams bar Nzoia could be separated only by goal difference when the league comes to an end.

“The team is good and set for the task  because this game will determine if we are ascending or descending in the NSL table because if we beat them we will be in the same level that is 58 points and goal difference will  determine on who is top.”  Otieno said.

He added that the squad had been boosted by the return of influential midfielder Patilla Omoto while has been a long absentee due to injury. The former Bandari and AFC Leopards ace made a scoring return on Thursday and is set to feature for his side on Monday.

“We’re happy that he’s returned. He’ll definitely give us an edge over the rest of the clubs; he brings a lot of experience and attacking potent for us,” Otieno added.

Nzoia – who are still unbeaten with only nine rounds left to play – travel to Modern Coast Rangers as they seek to inch closer clinching the NSL title.

Palos FC who have been performing dismally will be facing bottom placed Shabana FC  in Kericho Green Stadium with higher morale with key player Kevin Wesonga  who was awarded the best player of the month for his exemplary work during the month of September.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

SATURDAY 22ND OCTOBER

16:00    Moyas FC VS St. Joseph’s

16:00    KCB VS Oserian

16:00   Bidco United VS FC Talanta

16:00  Police  FC VS Zoo Kericho

SUNDAY 23RD OCTOBER

15:00   Shabana VS  Palos

16:00  Agrochemicals VS  Ligi ndogo

16:00 Modern Coast Rangers VS Nzoia United

17:15  Wazito FC VS Nakurua Allstars

16:00  Vihiga United VS Nairobi Stima

MONDAY 24TH OCTOBER

15:00    Nakumatt VS Kariobangi Sharks