The second edition of the Kenya Power Charity Cup will be held today at Nyayo Stadium with all the four teams looking to get their first silverware early in the season.
Sofapaka coach Sam Timbe and his Gor counterpart Bobby Williamson during a past KPL match. PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD
Mathare United take on GOtv Shield champions AFC Leopards in the first match which kicks off at 9am before defending champions Sofapaka invite league champions Gor Mahia in the second fixture.
The final of the one day tournament will be held at 4pm. Leopards face the greatest pressure to perform in this year’s edition by virtue of the fact that it is their first time and have been put here by massive votes from their fans.
Leopards received the highest number of votes and by far among the four participating teams. It therefore goes without saying that the fans will be expecting nothing short of lifting the trophy.
Coach James Nandwa has however opted to take it easy insisting they will they will not under pressure.
Fear of injuries
“Initially, we had contemplated giving the tournament a wide berth due to fear of injuries but we decided otherwise considering that our fans voted to have us here. This is therefore an opportunity for them to see our new signings before the season kicks off. We promise to give it our best shot,” he said.
Leopards have brought on board very experienced players like Joseph Shikokoti and James Situma as well as Musa Mudde and this is their opportunity to prove themselves.
While Leopards have greatly beefed up their squad, United have been depleted and coach Stanley Okumbi has said he is looking forward to today’s match.
Relishes opportunity
Okumbi said he relishes the opportunity to take on the GOtv shield champions as he seesk to build a formidable side for the new season.
“Playing Leopards is a big gift for my new players considering that some of them have not even featured at such a high level. It is an opportunity for me to understand them and find out whether they can compete under such pressure,” he said.
Okumbi admitted that his side will be the underdogs in the one day competition but has not ruled out a surprise.
“We are just building a new team after losing our key players last month. At the same time, we did not perform so well last year and this makes us the underdogs. However, inspite of this tag we will still give it our best shot and try to pull a surprise,” he added.
The other Kenya Power Charity Cup fixture will see defending champions Sofapaka taking on Gor Mahia.
Sofapaka coach Sam Timbe has admitted his side will be under pressure to repeat last year’s performance but insists the same applies to the other competitors.
“The tournament is coming early in the season when we are still preparing and this adds to the pressure to do well. However, it is not just us who will be under pressure. It applies to everybody else,” Timbe said.
By GILBERT WANDERA, The Standard
