Kariobangi Sharks will be hoping to secure maximum points when they host Mathare United at Police Sacco Stadium in the Slum Derby with kick-off set for 3PM.
Mathare United come into this clash buoyed by a comprehensive 4-1 demolition of Tusker FC, a result that marked their seventh win of the season.
Coach John Kamau’s side currently sit 11th on the SportPesa League table with 25 points from 20 matches. The Slum Boys have scored 15 goals, conceded 18 and kept eight clean sheets so far this season.
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Kariobangi Sharks fight for survival as Mathare United eye consistency
Kariobangi Sharks, on the other hand, are enduring their worst run in recent memory. Coach William Muluya’s side finds itself in the relegation zone, positioned 16th with just 18 points from 20 games.
The Sharks have won only three matches this season, one of them being the first-leg encounter against Mathare United. They have scored just 12 goals, conceded 22, and kept eight clean sheets.
History and rivalry may provide an additional boost. Kariobangi Sharks have scored in nine of their last ten league matches against Mathare United, giving them confidence ahead of the clash.
In the last five meetings between the sides, Mathare United have won once, one ended in a draw, and Kariobangi Sharks have emerged victorious twice.
Coach Kamau believes Mathare’s second-half resurgence against Tusker, inspired by Dennis Okoth’s brace, will be critical in this fixture.
“It has been evident in most of our games that we haven’t been giving enough on match days as we do in training duels. In the second half, I only took thirty seconds to let them know that our work ethic wasn’t okay, and I expect that we maintain such high levels in the next match,” Kamau noted.
Striker John Mark Makwata, a former Kariobangi Sharks player, is also eyeing the scoresheet. Having previously scored against his former club Ulinzi Stars this season, Makwata is determined to repeat the feat.
“I am looking forward to a good game. Our preparations have been good, and our coaches have challenged us to be consistent. Consistency has been an issue, but we are working towards three consecutive wins,” he said. Makwata added that the 4-1 win over Tusker was a morale booster: “That win has boosted our confidence going into this match.”
Kariobangi Sharks, coming off a 1-1 draw against KCB, will be seeking a double over their arch-rivals to keep their hopes of survival alive. Fans can catch all the action live on KBC Channel 1 from 3 pm.