Bullish Leopards on the hunt for Shield glory

AFC Leopards Head Coach Jack Minnaert is unfazed by being drawn against fellow Kenya Premier League (KPL) side Western Stima in the GOTv Shield Round of 16 and insists the team is prepared for any challenge put in front of them.

“I have no issue with the draw. It’s a cup competition and it is not written anywhere that best scenario is coming up against the smaller clubs. We have a good team and at the end of the day that’s what matters most,” the Belgian tactician underscored.

“Right now I am focused on the Leopards’ next game and I will cross that bridge when I get there. On the issue of my selection, it doesn’t matter who I field on the pitch as long as it is my best 11 then I’m happy,” he added.

Ingwe narrowly escaped defeat in the hands of Mumbi Nationale in the preliminary round as they fought to a 1-1 draw before winning 5-4 on the post match penalties before winning 2-0 over local rivals Kakamega Homeboyz in the last 32.

The 12-time KPL champions will now face their hardest challenge yet when they come up against a Stima side still riding high from their 4-0 win over third tier side Fresha FC.

The KPL table toppers Tusker FC entertain non-league side Zetech University in what on paper is an easy route to the quarters.

The Brewers Captain James Situma is wary of their opponents and has conceded that it would be wrong to underestimate the University team.

“We have been paired with Zetech and we are not planning to take the tie lightly as this is a knock out stage and any mistake you make might see you crash out of the competition,” the Harambee Stars International revealed.

“I watched them play at the Ruaraka Grounds and they are a good team; the worst thing we can do is underrate them. We want to make it to the quarters and you obviously expect us to bring our A game,” he reiterated.

Bandari moved a step closer to defending their title over the weekend after dispatching 2015 finalists, Nakumatt FC 2-1 thanks to goals from David Kingatua and Michael Apudo.

The Mombasa-based side won their first ever major silverware last year and will be looking for a repeat of the fantastic run when they lock horns with National Super League (NSL) side Bidco United.

High flying NSL side Nzoia United face a tough test in their quest to reach the next round of the Shield after they were paired with KPL defending champions Gor Mahia.

K’Ogalo, who have won the competition a record ten times, eased past second tier side Nairobi Stima 2-0 to keep their dream of clinching the domestic treble alive.

Gor last won the cup in 2012 and were eliminated in the semis last year by Nakumatt on post-match penalties.

In an all KPL affair, Ulinzi will battle it out with Chemelil while Kariobangi Sharks square it out with Modern Coast Rangers in an all second-tier clash.

The winner of this tournament will represent Kenya in the 2017 CAF Confederations Cup.

Round of 16 draw

Zetech University vs Tusker

Timsales/Ushuru vs Agro Chemical

Western Stima vs AFC Leopards

Thika United vs KCB

Bandari vs Bidco United

Nzoia United vs Gor Mahia

Ulinzi Stars vs Chemelil

Modern Rangers vs Kariobangi Sharks