Muluya ready for Sofapaka as CAF Cup ticket battle looms

Kariobangi Sharks FC coach William Muluya is not excited about a CAF Confederations Cup prospect, ahead of their Football Kenya Federation Shield final against Sofapaka.

The two sides clash at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, with the winner sealing a coveted CAF Cup spot.

It would be the first for Sharks, who are played their second Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season in 2018, finishing sixth just two points below Sofapaka who were fifth, with 53.

Muluya however notes his charges who lost in a similar final last season to AFC Leopards are calm going into the match.

“No excitement at all, just the mood of preparing for a final. Every player is in high spirit and positive because we know what we are preparing for. We don’t want to concentrate on Sofapaka but our own strengths to see what we can do best to win the game,” offered the coach.

Fresh from sealing the 2018 KPL Golden Boot award with 16 goals, Sharks striker Eric Kapaito has been pointed out the key man in the team’s Cup contest.

Muluya is however of different opinion, viewing Kapaito’s heroics as a whole team affair.

“The whole team played a part in his fine form in front of the opponents’ goals, thus we cannot downplay the role of others in his success.”

Kapaito was recently quoted on the club’s Twitter handle declaring his thirst for a continental challenge through the FKF Shield.

“It will be a great chance for us to travel out and get new experience. Let our fans come in large numbers and roar us to victory,” said Kapaito.

In their run to the final, Sharks eliminated KPL champions Gor Mahia in the quarter finals before beating Ulinzi Stars in the semi finals.

Meanwhile, Muluya will not engage in any transfer talk until the end Shield final is over. He however came out clear he wants to keep Kapaito, after seeing 2017’s KPL top scorer Masoud Juma leave the club after the successful season.

“Until now he has a contract with us, so we are the ones to determine his future. We cannot however tie him up if good offers come his way,’’ stated the coach.