Sharks Boosted By Kapaito Return Ahead Of Crucial Stima Duel

11th January 2019

The reigning SPL Most Valuable Player missed Kariobangi’s CAF Confederation clash against Arta Solar 7 FC of Djibouti and Asante Kotoko FC of Ghana

Erick Kapaito during Kariobangi Sharks training in Nairobi on  January 9, 2019.PHOTO/KARIOBANGI SHARKS FC
Erick Kapaito during Kariobangi Sharks training in Nairobi on January 9, 2019.PHOTO/KARIOBANGI SHARKS FC
SUMMARY
  • The return of prolific striker, Erick Kapaito,has inspired Kariobangi Sharks FC who will host Western Stima FC in the round seven of SportPesa Premier League(SPL) at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday
  • Despite the boost, Sharks are wary of resurgent Stima who have stunned giants on their return to the SPL whose new season kicked off on December 8, 2018
  • Posta Rangers FC, who lost 1-2 to defending champions Gor Mahia FC in a midweek fixture at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani in Nairobi on Wednesday, will be up against Chemelil Sugar FC in the other double header match in Machakos
  • Kakamega Homeboyz  FC have a date with Zoo Kericho FC at Bukhungu while AFC Leopards SC will entertain Kenya Commercial Bank(KCB)FC at Afraha in Nakuru

NAIROBI, Kenya- The return of prolific striker, Erick Kapaito, has boosted Kariobangi Sharks FC who will host early frontrunners and second-placed Western Stima FC in round seven of the SportPesa Premier League(SPL) at the Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday.

The SPL Most Valuable Player started serious training with the club early in the week and head coach William Muluya is confident the forward will be ready for the showdown with Stima.

“Warning! Be very careful, the reigning top scorer is back and ready for duty. We are Sharks!” the club posted on their social media with photos of the forward engrossed in practice.

Despite the lift, Sharks are wary of resurgent Stima who have stunned giants on their return to the SPL whose new season kicked off on December 8, 2018.

The sides have met twice with Sharks winning one while the other ended in a draw. Both rivals are so far unbeaten in the new term but the sixth-placed home side who have won twice and drawn four of their opening six fixtures trail Stima (14) by four points in the standings.

The power men have notched four wins and two draws and victory over Sharks could land them at the summit ahead of Mathare United FC who are on top on goal difference on the same tally.

Posta Rangers FC, who lost 1-2 to defending champions Gor Mahia FC in a midweek fixture at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani in Nairobi on Wednesday, will be up against Chemelil Sugar FC in the other match scheduled for Kenyatta Stadium.

Pale shadow

Relegation-threatened Chemelil were edged out 0-1 by Stima at their Mumias Complex backyard last weekend and a loss against Rangers will dig them deeper toward the relegation places.

Eleventh-placed Sofapaka FC head to Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega where they will be hosted by Vihiga United FC who are a place behind them. The sides have won once, drawn thrice and have six points each.

Sony Sugar FC lay in wait for Ulinzi Stars FC at Awendo Green Stadium. Ulinzi are a pale shadow of themselves, with only one victory in six matches this season.

Four games will be played on Saturday with bottom side Mount Kenya FC taking on visiting Bandari FC at the Afraha Stadium as Mathare tackle third placed Tusker FC in Ruaraka in the biggest clash of the weekend on paper.

Kakamega Homeboyz FC have a date with Zoo Kericho FC at the Bukhungu Stadium while AFC Leopards SC will entertain Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) FC at Afraha.

KCB have reinforced their technical bench ahead of the encounter after acquiring the services of Gor Mahia FC legend, Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo, who will deputize head coach Frank Ouna.

SPL Saturday Fixtures

Mt.Kenya FC vs Bandari FC– Afraha 2pm

Tusker FC vs Mathare United FC- Ruaraka 3pm

Kakamega Homeboyz FC vs Zoo Kericho FC- Bukhungu 4.15pm

AFC Leopards SC vs  KCB FC- Afraha 4.15pm

SPL Saturday Fixture

Kariobangi Sharks vs Western Stima FC- Machakos 2pm

Sony Sugar FC  vs Ulinzi Stars FC- Awendo Green Stadium 3pm

Vihiga United FC vs Sofapaka FC– Bukhungu 4pm

Posta Rangers FC vs Chemelil Sugar FC- Machakos 4.15pm