Zoo Kericho and Nakumatt were removed from the league in compliance with a High Court ruling of Thursday that the league be a 16-club affair. On the field, Gor Mahia downed rivals Tusker by two goals to firmly put themselves in line to win this year’s diadem as Kakamega Homeboys put the stuffing on Sofapaka and their remote title ambitions.
Kakamega Homeboyz coach Mike Mururi: “We started on a wrong footing in the first half but the boys recovered in the second half to deliver the victory (beat Sofapaka 3-2). I am particularly proud of this set of athletes for coming from behind to win against such an accomplished team like Sofapaka. Some people had written as off but we believed in ourselves. We did our speaking on the field.”
Chemelil Sugar coach Abdalla Juma: “We planned purposely to play a defensive game after scoring first, the way Manchester United did against Southampton on Saturday (beat Bandari 1-0). We’re aiming to complete the league among top eight teams.”
Thika United coach Nicholas Muyoti: “We didn’t start well but my boys pulled up their socks in the second half (drew 1-1 with Posta Rangers). I have faith in my boys in the remaining matches. I am hopeful that we will do well to get points that will help us retain our league status. Going forward, I have to work on scoring. We create so many chances but we fail to convert. At this level you cannot afford to do that.”
Posta Rangers coach Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo: “We scored the first goal and the conceded (drew 1-1 with Thika United). That is annoying. We didn’t defend well up to the time Thika levelled. It’s been a game of two halves. We had our first and they had their second. We appreciate a draw however much I would have wished for three points. I don’t think we are in contention for the league; at the beginning of the season, maybe. Our main target remains finishing in the top four and we need to urgently bounce back to winning ways. We are capable of that if you look at the caliber of players we have.”
Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi: “As a coach I have never been in a situation where I am fighting relegation, but you must understand that each team has its unique goals and targets (lost 1-0 to Ulinzi Stars). When you have a good budget that can purchase and sustain quality players, you can challenge for the title, but goals will be lowered if you are operating a team that is composed of such young players as those you find in my side.”
