- Tusker FC visit redeemed Kariobangi Sharks side as they aim for back-to-back SportPesa League victories under new coach Mette.
- The match will be played on Monday, March 2, at the Police Sacco Stadium from 4:15 pm.
- Tusker are coming off a 1-0 win over Murang’a SEAL, while the Sharks also secured a 1-0 victory against APS Bomet.
Tusker FC under new boss Julien Mette will be chasing back-to-back victories when they lock horns with Kariobangi Sharks at the Police Sacco stadium from 4:15pm as SportPesa League action continues on Monday for Round 23.
The French tactician is the newly appointed Brewers handler and will be taking charge of his third match, aiming to collect six points from a possible nine after kicking off his tenure on a rough note with a 1-0 loss to Shabana FC.
There was however some relief in last week’s midweek fixture when they narrowly edged out Murang’a SEAL 1-0 at the Wang’uru stadium in Kirinyaga to return to winning ways.
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It was Ibrahim Joshua’s fantastic header that earned Mette his debut victory while also securing their ninth win of the campaign lifting them to mid-table in ninth position with 31 points.
Mette, who took over from Charles Okere, has already thrown in the towel on the title chase and admitted they are too far off the pace, noting that their primary focus will now be on the FKF Cup.
“I think Gor Mahia is too far ahead now so in terms of the title, winning the league, it’s over. I’m here to help the team grow and be able to compete in the Cup, but also to win every match. Let’s try to finish as high as possible on the standings at the end,” he remarked.
Tusker FC visit redeemed Kariobangi Sharks side
The Ruaraka-based outfit stroll into this clash seeking redemption on the road after suffering back-to-back losses in away fixtures.
But that could prove a tough assignment as they come up against a home side that has found form recently- losing just once in their last seven outings.
What’s more, William Muluya’s charges ride on a five-match unbeaten streak featuring three draws, collecting six points along the way.
Their most recent fixture was a tight 1-0 victory over APS Bomet courtesy of a strike from Ally Salum, which helped Sharks – who struggled near the bottom especially in the first leg, pull away from the relegation zone.
They currently sit 14th with 22 points and a fifth win of the season on Monday would boost their confidence even further as they fight for survival despite their rocky start.
Speaking ahead of the showdown, Tusker FC assistant coach Anthony Kimani believes the players are hungry to deliver positive outcomes as they build on last week’s win over Murang’a SEAL.
“The boys are coming along nicely. We had an intense match against Murang’a SEAL that went our way and it’s a result we intend to build on going into the next fixture. From what we have observed in training, the boys have that fire and the desire to get positive results,” Kimani told the club’s media.
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Kariobangi Sharks have claimed victory in two of their last five meetings with Tusker, while the two sides have played out two draws. Tusker’s sole win this season came in the first leg with a 2-1 scoreline.
Meanwhile, there will be three other exciting matches on Monday with Kakamega Homeboyz, coming off a disappointing draw against Ulinzi Stars, looking to set things straight when they host struggling APS Bomet at Bukhungu Stadium from 2pm.
Over at Awendo Green Stadium in Kericho, Sofapaka will be desperate to end their lengthy poor run this season they are currently rooted to the bottom as they face Mara Sugar, who are also hoping to shake off their inconsistent form from 2pm.
And at Wang’uru Stadium, Bidco United sitting second from last will be hoping for a turnaround when they welcome Ulinzi Stars from 2pm.