AFC Leopards players celebrate during their opening match against Nakumatt FC in Thika where they won 3-0. [PHOTO/nation.co.ke]
After days of speculation on the match between AFC Leopards and the Kenya Premier League (KPL) newcomers Nzoia Sugar, the day is finally here.
Leopards will today Saturday host the millers at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos in what is expected to be a tight battle for supremacy.
Though Nzoia is a newcomer, Leopards will have to be cautious in the game after the former proved their worth by punishing defending champions Tusker FC 5-2 in their opening match.
Leopards will on their part be aiming at swelling their rout after seeing off other newcomers Nakumatt FC 3-0 in their first and only game played so far.
Nzoia brag of having one of the fastest sides in the league, are sharp on the offensive and can really punish you on the flat foot.
Head coach Bernard Mwalala is expected to bank on the youthful energy to punish the elder side whose fitness levels were wanting in the gone season.
Ingwe, on their part, will have to ensure the midfield drama of Nzoia is contained in the heart of the game and that their dangermen Gilbert Fiamenyo and Mungai Kiongera do not starve on supplies.
WORD FROM THE COACHES
“We have played very difficult games so far but we have not lost any of them. AFC are in good shape, they have a number of good players and they have played only one match this season. I can say based on this that they have a slight advantage over us but we shall try our best to secure a good result even though we will be away from home.” ~ Bernard Mwalala, Head Coach, Nzoia Sugar FC.
“I have observed them (Nzoia) and I know they are very strong in dead balls, they have very high energy levels and they have gathered good momentum so far.
“That is however typical of any team that is promoted to the Premier League. I think I have better players who are fitter and more experienced. We have worked hard in the last two weeks and we shall show them that.” ~ Stewart Hall, Head Coach, AFC Leopards.