Posta Rangers will host Shabana FC at the Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga on Saturday afternoon in a Sportpesa League round 20 clash, with kickoff set for 4pm EAT.
The match has been moved to Kirinyaga due to the unavailability of major pitches in Nairobi.
Posta Rangers enter the match in 11th place with 24 points. The Mailmen are currently enduring a tough spell, having failed to secure a win in their last seven league matches.
Posta Rangers vs Shabana FC preview
Head coach Charles Omondi Korea who took over from Sammy Omollo, is desperately seeking a way to end their winless streak.
Despite the poor run, Omondi remains defiant, recently stating that his squad has enough quality without needing major signings in the mid season window.
Shabana, on the other hand, is flying high in fourth place with 31 points. Tore Bobe are firmly in the title race and head into this fixture full of confidence after a 1-0 win over Bandari last time out.
Under coach Peter Okidi, Shabana has become one of the most difficult teams to beat away from home, boasting an impressive nine-match unbeaten streak on the road.
Coach Korea is expected to start his strongest side for this clash after resting several players in their FKF Cup Round of 64 against Chemogoch where they won 4-0 in Nakuru.
Bixente Otieno is likely to regain his position in goal while midfield maestro Isaac Wasambo is also in line for a start.
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The visitors arrive in Kirinyaga with a clean bill of health for most of their key players having seen the return of Captain George Orako who is expected to partner Mark Okola in central defence.
Their five mid season signings Pape Doudou Diallo,Mambote Batshi Assis, John Owira, Mohamed Abdallah and Jaspher Omwando will all be available for selection and could make their league debuts for the club.
Coach’s Perspective’
Charles Omondi “Korea” – Posta Rangers
“Our recent results are more a product of bad luck than poor performance. We are creating chances, but we have become blunt in the final third,we are not converting them. We are are going out for nothing but a win.”
Peter Okidi – Shabana FC
“The boys know the importance of every match at this point of the season. We are in the top three because of consistency and discipline. Posta Rangers are dangerous when you look at them keenly because they are hungry for a result. So it’s about how do we maintain the concentration for the full ninety minutes.”
Posta Rangers vs Shabana FC head to head records
The two sides met in the first leg with Posta Rangers claiming a 2-1 victory.
Historically, the Mailmen have dominated this fixture, winning three of their five encounters, while Shabana has only managed one victory in that same period.
Last 5 Matches
Posta Rangers: D – D – L – D – L
Shabana FC: W – D – W – D – L
A win for Posta Rangers would be a massive morale booster, potentially pushing them back into the top ten depending on results from other fields.
For Shabana, three points are essential to keep pressure on league leaders Gor Mahia and second-placed AFC Leopards.