Leopards’ Isuza predicts a tough clash against Zoo

AFC Leopards ace midfielder Whyvonne Isuza has labelled relegation threatened Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Zoo Kericho a tough side as the two teams prepare to clash at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Wednesday.

Having lost to Zoo 2-0 when they met in the first leg, Isuza acknowledges the second leg cannot be an easy affair knowing the Kericho based club is fighting to remain in the Kenyan topflight.

The inconsistency in the team is also a point of caution for Isuza, who saw Leopards lose 2-0 to Mathare on Sunday, failing to build up from their 2-1 win over Bandari a week ago.

“We lost to Mathare on Sunday and so the next tie must be tackled with great focus, because we have been exposed to be quite inconsistent. We have to employ strong mentality against them, without focusing on their poor form or their position in the league,” offered Isuza.

Leopards fell 2-0 to Mathare United at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday ending their nine-match unbeaten run, slowing their mental advantage ahead of their Zoo tie, the latter sitting 17th on the log with 21 points.

Isuza has been on form this season netting seven goals helping them to so far, ninth position on the log despite the slow start into the season characterized by massive changes in the technical bench.

Striking force

He has however come to the defense of the club’s striking force which has been under much criticism saying that they are working collectively as a team. In the same breath, Isuza expressed confidence in the team’s ability to finish the 2018/2019 season strongly, saying the addition of winger Paul Were and defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng in the squad is paying direct dividends.

“Were has been of great help to us since joining. He has only played four matches and has already hit three assists with Cheche being a pillar in the midfield which has been hit by the injury of Edward Seda and Said Tsuma (who has returned).

“The coach (Andre Cassa Mbungo) has also been changed a lot of things in the team to the positive since his arrival, so we can only be more optimistic,” said Isuza.

Leopards has so far scored 29 goals in the 27 matches played this season,18 behind leaders and bitter rivals Gor Mahia who have scored 47 who they are yet to play in the second leg.

In others fixtures set for Wednesday, Chemelil Sugar will host Gor Mahia at the Moi stadium in Kisumu from 4.15pm (+3GMT) as Mathare United host Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Stadium from 3pm.

Vihiga United will welcome Bandari at the Bukhungu Stadium from 3:00pm as Sofapaka will be at home against Western Stima at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machkos from 2:00pm.