Kariobangi Sharks Will Put Up A Fight, Coach Muluya Promises Everton

NAIROBI, Kenya- Kariobangi Sharks FC coach William Muluya warned Everton FC not to take his side lightly and guaranteed a spectacle of a game when the two sides go head to head on Sunday at the Kasarani Stadium.

Muluya, who guided Sharks to SportPesa Cup victory in January earning them the right to play Everton, was speaking yesterday (Thursday) in Kariobangi during a joint SportPesa, Everton Kits for Africa donation to 45 football teams from the area.

The campaign is an initiative by the leading global and technology and entertainment company together with their international football partners aimed at providing football kits to grassroots teams who can hardly afford the essentials.

Since the beginning of the 2018-19 season alone, the campaign has benefited from more than 43,000 donations by Everton, including many from supporters who have used collection points at Goodison Park and the Everton One and Everton Two stores.

This particular donation was much more special as it was graced by Everton legends Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar, who arrived in the country a couple days ago for the monumental match, the first of its’ kind on Kenyan soil.

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The amicable Sharks coach who hails from the neighboring Dandora Estate, has become a popular name amongst Kariobangi residents and took the opportunity to promise them a fight from his side when the game kicks off at 4pm on Sunday.

“It makes me happy when I see such initiatives coming to the hood and this week it’s even more special because at the end of it all, we will all be a part of history.

“We understand the magnitude of the game and we remain grateful for being given such an opportunity to go up against one of the best teams in the English Premier League,” Muluya stated.

“Sunday is a huge day not only for Sharks or all the fans from Kariobangi, but for the whole country. I urge all of you to show up in large numbers because we need your support for us to give it our all,” he continued.

The Everton team is scheduled to land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Saturday ahead of the highly anticipated fixture, which will double up as their first pre-season fixture, before a hectic schedule that includes matches in Switzerland and Monaco.

The hype in the country has taken off in the recent days with tickets being sold at a rapid rate as the country prepares to show support for one of their own at the Kenyan football cathedral.

Osman, who scored 57 goals in 433 appearances for the Blues, was making his second visit to Kariobangi having launched the program and appealed to Everton fans to donate kits at the exact same venue almost two years ago, in November 2017.

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He returned this year with 45 boxes of kits, branded balls and brand new football boots to distribute to the community that he promised the same the last time he was in Kenya.

“It’s absolutely great to be back here where it all started and I can’t explain the joy I feel being able to provide kits for all the upcoming talent from Kariobangi.

“I’m humbled and I hope that these will aid in your journey to becoming professional football players. It’s a great initiative by SportPesa and Everton and I am glad I could be a part of it,” Osman stated.

“After this special day, we wait for Sunday and I know all you fans will show up in large numbers ready for a great game of football,” he concluded.

The hundreds who had gathered at the Kariobangi North Grounds were in awe to be able to meet the legends and have the chance to take pictures with the former English Premier League stars and could not contain their joy when Pienaar addressed them.

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The former Bafana Bafana midfielder expressed his readiness to witness history on Sunday, having gotten the opportunity to be in the stands at the beginning of the year when Sharks defeated Bandari FC 1-0 to clinch the SportPesa Cup title.

“I am very pleased to be here and to be able to be a part of this great cause, donating kits to young and upcoming talent.

“I am from the ghetto as well and I appreciate when I see such and being a part of it makes me very happy. I hope to see you all on Sunday, come and support your home team because this is a grand occasion for them and everyone from Kenya,” the 37-year old underlined.