KPL might comes up against Super League challenge in GOtv Shield

The penultimate stage of the GOtv Shield Cup is on this weekend with Tusker FC continuing their quest for the domestic double when they take on National Super League (NSL) side KCB FC in Saturday’s double header in Nakuru.

Fellow Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants Ulinzi Stars FC who surrendered their title hopes this weekend hope to salvage their season in the cup but have NSL highfliers, Kariobangi Sharks, standing their way in the other semi.

The Brewers boss, Paul Nkata, said Friday the onus was on KCB who were relegated from the KPL last season to stop what he declared was their march to the double.

“They are the ones to fear us because we are playing in the top league. They are planning an upset but we will not allow them, we will beat them,” he chest-thumped.

“They have played in the top tier before and have good players. We don’t know them as much as we know our opponents in the KPL but I have watched several of their matches and I know what to expect,” Nkata underscored.

“I will field the players who are in their best form. That is why I keep changing someone match after the other. We must also acknowledge they have come this far because they are good,” he added.

Striker Allan Wanga has cautioned his teammates against complacency in the semis.

“Playing clubs that are in the lower divisions is difficult than playing those in the Premier League. They will give a 100 or 150 per cent because they know who we are.

“We need to give our all and play our usual game to advance to the final,” warned Wanga.

The match will be played from 13:00h local time (+3GMT) with Ulinzi locking horns with Sharks at 15:30.

Tusker eliminated Posta Rangers 2-1 in the Wednesday’s belated quarter final to advance to the semis, while Ulinzi and KCB prevailed over Nzoia United and Western Stima in that order on penalties.

Wanga has set his eyes on Harambee Stars comeback after eight months spell out of the national team.

Wanga, who last played for Stars in the 2-1 defeat to Zambia at Nyayo Stadium during the unsuccessful 2017 Arica Cup of Nations qualifiers, admits it is not easy.

“I have never doubted my ability, so given a chance I will do my best. It’s every player’s joy to feature in the national team but we have good strikers who are scoring in their clubs so it is quite competitive. I’m concentrating on club duties for now and from here determines whether you get a call-up,” he added.

Since his return to Tusker in the June transfer window, Wanga has netted four goals in seven outings.