NAIROBI, Kenya, July 20- AFC Leopards head coach Jan Koops is determined to record a straight forward victory when his title chasing side takes on the plucky Karuturi Sport in Mumias on Saturday.
The Dutchman was riled by the manner Ingwe’s slim 1-0 victory over City Stars generated controversy in the previous round of Kenyan Premier League (KPL) fixtures as the Leopards seek to move four points clear at the summit of the competition.
“We are keen to remain on top. We had shaky moments in the first leg but have now fully recovered.
“Karuturi are a good side but we are equally up to task and will reward our loyal travelling fans with a convincing win so they can be proud of the boys,” Koops told Capital Sport on Friday.
With fellow frontrunners Sofapaka not featuring till the next weekend, a win will see the Ingwe move to 40 to establish a four-point gap regardless of the result joint third place Ulinzi on 33 register.
Despite the momentum with Leopards, Michael Nam’s Karuturi will also come to the fixture boosted by their 1-0 win over Sony Sugar at Oserian Grounds in sharp contrast to the league toppers who laboured to dispatch City last Friday.
The losers felt aggrieved by the referee decision that awarded Ingwe the penalty that resulted in the difference and have it all to do when they host a resurgent Gor Mahia at City Stadium.
K’Ogalo will be without dependable midfielder Moses Odhiambo who is suffering from malaria but will be positive after their 1-0 win over the national U-20 team in a friendly on Thursday.
Ulinzi hope to continue their charge for the title when they travel to Gusii Stadium to face a wounded Sony. Should the military side collect the three points they will climb to joint second with title holders Tusker who are away at the Cecafa Club Championships where they were held to a barren draw by Zanzibar’s Mafunzo also on Thursday.
Muhoroni Youth who were blanked 3-0 by KCB in their last fixture will welcome Thika United who are eager for a win in their quest for a top two finish in the KPL.
Coach John Kamau asserted that he expects to register a decisive win in his last two matches in charge before he heads for Netherlands for training in early August.
“We have had an impressive season so far, but we need to move from our regular fourth and fifth spot and challenge the big boys and we intend to begin this weekend,” added Kamau on before they travelled to Muhoroni.
The Western Stima and Chemelil Sugar clash will be a keen one to follow with the two sides smarting from losses in their last outings. They lost to Ulinzi and Gor respectively by an identical 1-0 score line.
After bouncing back to the top ten, the Bankers will strive to strengthen their rise when they travel to Naivasha to face Oserian.
The flowermen are two points above bottom placed Rangers who host Mathare United in a Friday evening tie at the Nyayo Stadium.
James Nandwa who was in charge of the national U-23 development side that saw off Botswana 3-1 in a friendly match last week will be hopeful to replicate the winning form with Rangers who have not won in 14 matches.
Friday
Rangers vs Mathare United
Saturday
Muhoroni Youth vs Thika United
SonySugar vs Ulinzi Stars
City Stars vs Gor Mahia
AFC Leopards vs Karuturi Sports
Western Stima vs Chemelil Sugar
Sunday
Oserian vs KCB
