AFC Leopards Braced For Nakumatt Test Without Star Midfielder Isuza

10th August 2018

Ingwe battle retailers without their top scorer who was sent off against Mathare

AFC Leopards players hurdle before their Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia FC. PHOTO/SPN
AFC Leopards players hurdle before their Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia FC. PHOTO/SPN
SUMMARY
  • Isuza sent off after collecting two yellow cards in their 2-1 win last weekend.
  • Scored stunning goal against SPL leaders Gor Mahia FC in the Mashemeji Derby held at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on July 22.
  • Selebwa predicts Nakumatt FC will be tough opponents under a new manager.
  • Leopards eyeing to move up to the top three

NAIROBI, Kenya- AFC Leopards SC are preparing to tackle resurgent Nakumatt FC without their lethal midfielder, Whyvonne Isuza, in a SportPesa Premier League (SPL) tie at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday.

Isuza was sent off after he accumulated two yellow cards in their 2-1 win against Mathare United FC at the venue last weekend.

“I’m challenging other players to rise up and fit into Isuza’s shoes. Whoever will be picked by head coach Rodolfo Zapata to replace him should be ready to fill the void,” Team Manager, Gilbert Selebwa, told SportPesa News on Wednesday.

Isuza scored a stunning goal against SPL leaders Gor Mahia FC during their Mashemeji Derby held at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on July 22, 2018.

Selebwa has predicted that their encounter with Nakumatt FC would be tough, as the opponents have found their groove back after getting a new manager.

“They came from behind to draw 2-2 with us in the first leg. They recently did the same to Gor and pulled off a surprise win against Thika United.

“This shows that Nakumatt are on a steady rise. They have a lot of character, so we will approach this game with a lot of caution,”Selebwa underlined.

Terrific form

“Leopards are also in fine form and will strive to look for a third consecutive victory after beating Mathare and Vihiga United in the last two fixtures,” he underscored.

Selebwa admitted that the league is out of Leopards reach but clarified that their target is to a top three finish in SPL.

“Gor are in the driving seat and I don’t see Leopards or any other club challenging them at the top, technically they have already won the trophy.

“Despite Gor Mahia’s terrific form, we will be out to beat them in the second leg of Mashemeji Derby on August 25,”Selebwa highlighted.

At the same time, Zoo FC head coach, Sammy Okoth, has indicated that pressure is on them to perform as they prepare to host Nzoia Sugar FC at Kericho Green Stadium on Saturday.

“We lost 1-0 to the opponents in the first leg, but we are warning them that it will be tough as the ball is in our court now. We badly need this win to help us escape the relegation zone,”Okoth stressed.

Okoth said he would be going to the competition minus his strikers, Isaac Kipyegon Nesto and Nicholas Kipkirui who were red-carded in the previous matches.

SPL Fixtures

Friday July 10, 2018

Posta Rangers FC vs Gor Mahia FC- Narok Stadium - 4pm

Saturday July 11, 2018

Zoo Kericho FC vs Nzoia Sugar FC- Kericho Green Stadium-3pm

Sunday July 12, 2018

Thika United vs Wazito FC-Thika Municipal Stadium-3pm

Mathare United vs Kariobangi Sharks-Ruaraka Stadium-3pm

Sofapaka FC vs Vihiga United- Narok Stadium- 3pm

Tusker FC vs Bandari FC- Ruaraka Stadium-3pm

Nakumatt FC vs AFC Leopards SC- Machakos Stadium-3pm

Ulinzi Stars vs Sony Sugar FC- Afraha Stadium- 3pm

Monday July 13, 2018

Gor Mahia FC vs Kakamega Homeboyz FC – Kenyatta Stadium- 3pm