SPL Round 17: Mathare Chasing Top Spot, Tusker Host Leopards

8th March 2019 - by Louis Kalinga

A win for the 2008 champions will see them reclaim top spot until the dockers take to the field on Sunday in an away fixture against off-form Ulinzi Stars FC (18)

SUMMARY

Mathare United FC are yet to rediscover the brilliant form they had during the start of the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) season as they seek only a second win in seven games during round 17 this weekend
Mathare (30) are in second place on the log behind leaders Bandari FC (32) and face an uphill task as they host newcomers Western Stima FC on Saturday at the Kasarani Stadium
Sofapaka FC (27), who are in fourth also have the chance to finish the day in second if they can register a victory in their away fixture against Chemelil Sugar FC (14)

NAIROBI, Kenya- Mathare United FC are yet to rediscover the brilliant form they had during the start of the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) season as they seek only a second win in seven games during round 17 this weekend.

Mathare (30) are in second place on the log behind leaders Bandari FC (32) and face an uphill task as they host newcomers Western Stima FC on Saturday at the Kasarani Stadium.

A win for the 2008 champions will see them reclaim top spot until the dockers take to the field on Sunday in an away fixture against off-form Ulinzi Stars FC (18).

Sixth-place Stima (25) have had an exceptional season back in the top flight, only losing twice to Sony Sugar FC and Kariobangi Sharks FC.

“We haven’t been at our best in recent weeks but we have slowly regained our focus as we prepare for a tough fight for the title.

“We are unbeaten in the last three and this weekend we are going for nothing but all three points. Stima are tough opponents but we have what it takes to come out victorious,” Mathare head coach Francis Kimanzi told SportPesa News.

Sofapaka FC (27), who are in fourth also have the chance to finish the day in second if they can register a victory in their away fixture against Chemelil Sugar FC (14).

Chemelil have only managed two wins in their last 10 matches and will need a spirited performance if they are to pull away from the dreaded relegation zone.

AFC Leopards SC (13) ended their dreadful run of form, which saw them lose six consecutive games, registering a crucial 1-0 victory over Sony last weekend courtesy of a Wayi Yeka Tatuwe goal.

Leopards take on Tusker FC (22) in the second of a double-header set for the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos tomorrow (Saturday).

The first, which will also be the opening game in round 17 of the SPL, will see Sharks (25) battle it out against Posta Rangers FC (15).

The SportPesa Cup champions are in fifth, nine spots ahead of their opponents who have only lost once in their last five fixtures.

SPL ROUND 17 FIXTURES

SATURDAY (All matches kick-off at 3PM, unless stated)

Kariobangi Sharks FC vs Posta Rangers FC – 2PM – Kenyatta Stadium

Chemelil Sugar FC vs Sofapaka FC- Chemelil Sports Complex

Sony Sugar FC vs Mt. Kenya United FC- Awendo Green Stadium

Mathare United FC vs Western Stima FC- Kasarani Stadium

Tusker FC vs AFC Leopards SC- 4:15PM- Kenyatta Stadium

SUNDAY

KCB FC vs Nzoia Sugar FC- Kenyatta Stadium

Ulinzi Stars FC vs Bandari FC- Afraha Stadium

Vihiga United FC vs Zoo FC- Bukhungu Stadium