Tusker FC head coach Paul Nkata during a past Kenyan premier League match. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3- Paul Nkata, the Tusker FC coach is not expecting any kind of favours from AFC Leopards when the two sides lock horns at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Sunday, in a match that will determine the destiny of this season’s KPL title.
Tusker who occupy the apex of the log can win the title with three points against AFC Leopards, arch rivals to second placed defending champions Gor Mahia.
“It is not going to be an easy match and I don’t expect any favour from them. We will approach that match just like we have done in all the other 27 matches we have played, with seriousness and we will give our all,” Nkata told Capital Sport.
Gor will be cheering on their arch rivals against Tusker as a drop in points by the brewers in that match coupled with a win for K’Ogalo against Muhoroni Youth will mean the final game of the season pitting Gor and Tusker will determine the winners of this season’s title.
Nkata is keeping his cool even as the brewers put champagne on ice and says it is not over until it is over hoping the side does not drop the pot at the doorstep.
“I am excited of course because I am on the brink of history. I am proud of the boys and what they have done but it is not over until it is over. We have to go into that match with our heads cool and hopefully, we finish the job then,” Nkata added.
Tusker FC players celebrate after scoring in a past Kenyan Premier League match. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
The Ugandan, formerly an assistant coach at SC Villa in Uganda with current Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic has only won one title as head coach, the Ugandan FA Cup with Uganda Revenue Authority in 2014.
Having won the GOtv Shield two weeks ago, Nkata is already dreaming of the prospect of lifting a double.
“It will be great joy for me because it will be the first time it’s happening in my career. I think winning such away from home is a motivation to other young coaches that they can do it. What has worked for us this season is that we have been playing like a family and there’s great understanding in the team,” Nkata offered.
The tactician had come under immense scrutiny when he took over at Tusker in January having decamped from Muhoroni Youth with critics lining him up for the sack before mid season.
But fast forward to November, the Ugandan looks vindicated.
“I remember when I took over I said I would win a trophy. Here we are now and I am almost winning a second. I feel that I have proved my doubters wrong. I never doubted myself even for a moment and I am pleased with what we have achieved as a club,” Nkata offered.
Ahead of the AFC Leopards match, Nkata will be without skipper James Situma and defender Eugene Asike who are both out injured.
While Situma might return in time for the final match against Gor where the trophy will be presented Asike’s season is over after failing to recover since the GOtv Shield win over Ulinzi on October 20.
