Sharks Out To Break Shield Cup Jinx Against Sofapaka

NAIROBI, Kenya- Sofapaka FC head coach, John Baraza, is confident that his full house squad will deliver a fourth domestic  cup victory as they prepare to tackle Kariobangi Sharks FC in the  SportPesa Shield Cup final at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani  in Nairobi on Saturday.

The Batoto Ba Mungu edged defending champions, AFC Leopards SC, 1-0 to sail into the finals at the venue on September 23, 2018.

“We have trained well in the week for the game; our preparations are 90 per cent complete,” Baraza told SportPesa News on Thursday.

The former Kenyan international has refuted claims that his Ugandan hitman, Umar Kasumba, is injured and will not be available for the match.

“The team is very fit, we are ready to tackle our opponents on Saturday,” Baraza underlined.

Club captain, Stephen Waruru, has told Sharks to expect a tough final because they will be unrelenting in the encounter.

He said they have prepared physically and mentally for the meet and that their zeal and motivation for the contest is on another level.

“We will be consistent as a team, the same way we were when we beat AFC Leopards,” Waruru underlined.

Sofapaka last won the Shield Cup in 2014 when they sliced Posta Rangers FC 2-1.They beat West Kenya Sugar FC (2-0) and Homegrown FC with a similar margin to lift the title in 2010 and 2007 in that order.

At the same time, Baraza has admitted they will head to the new SportPesa Premier League (SPL) season minus five players among them his first choice custodian, Mathias Kigonya.

Club President, Elly Kalekwa, indicated the team is shopping for six new signings among them Kigali Police FC goalkeeper, Danny Nduwayo and AS Kigali defenders, Sauteur Kanyumba and Shairu Batte.

Kariobangi Sharks tactician, William Muluya, is planning to use the same tactical approach that saw them hammer Ulinzi Stars FC 4-1 in the semis against Sofapaka.

“I reviewed the game and identified some loopholes which I have sealed in practice ahead of the final.

“The most important thing I want my players to do when they engage Sofapaka is to stay positive and have great cohesion in the field,” Muluya underscored.

Sharks skipper, Eric Juma, said they would strive to create chances and execute them to finish the challenge in first half

“We have had good preparations ahead of this game. We are motivated to qualify for the CAF’s Confederations Cup. I urge our fans to turn up in large numbers to inspire us in this final,”Juma emphasised.

Sharks have been twice unlucky in the finals, losing to AFC Leopards 2-0 last year and 4-1 to Ulinzi in 2006.

The Play-Off

The finals would be curtained raised by a Third/ Fourth place play-off clash pitting Leopards against Ulinzi.

Ulinzi head coach, Dunstan Nyaudo, said his side has injuries coupled with fatigue ahead of the competition.

“I don’t have a perfect squad but will use the players I have. Will utilise the tie to step up training for the new SPL season that kicks off on December 8,”Nyaudo accentuated.