Sofapaka braced for Mathare KPL showdown

Sofapaka FC interim coach John Baraza says his charges are prepared give Mathare United a run for their money when they visit the Kenyan Premier League leaders in Kasarani this afternoon.

After a flying start to the new season, Mathare’s wheels have begun falling off and Barasa, whose side are enjoying a bit of an upsurge, says they are ready to capitalize.

Mathare lead the KPL standings with 25 points after 12 rounds with sitting five points adrift in fifth place. Gor Mahia FC, Tusker FC and Bandari FC are all tied in second with 22 points each.

“Mathare are leading and they will want to remain at the top which means that this fixture will be fireworks,” Baraza said.

Baraza also paid tribute to Mathare’s head coach Francis Kimanzi, saying he has ‘a lot of respect’ for the tactician.

“He is a good coach who understands how to plan his team,” he said.

Sofapaka has so far won five matches, five draws and two losses and with the ever improving form,Barasa is tempted to start eying their first league title in a decade.

Barasa who has served for a long time as an assistant coach took over on an interim basis all the responsibilities of the American Melis Medo who threw in the towel after failing to hit the target he had set.

Medo who has since returned to his former employers Mt.Kenya United formerly Nakumatt FC has only won one match in the seven games that had been played,drawing four and losing the other two.

United who have been setting the pace for months in the league have gone twelve matches with only a defeat but will have their credentials handed a real test against a raring Batoto Ba Mungu.

Tuesday

Mathare United v Sofapaka FC-Kenyatta Stadium,Machakos

Kakamega Homeboyz v Kariobangi Sharks-Bukhungu Stadium,Kakamega

Posta Rangers v Nzoia Sugar-Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani

*All matches start at 3pm