FKF-PL: AFC Leopards’ Trucha under pressure to deliver first win as Tusker’s Matano face Gor Mahia amid sack threats

FOOTBALL FKF-PL: AFC Leopards’ Trucha under pressure to deliver first win as Tusker’s Matano face Gor Mahia amid sack threats

Joel Omotto 07:36 - 22.10.2023

AFC Leopards fans are hoping new coach Tomas Trucha will begin his reign with a win against Bandari as the sack looms over his Tusker counterpart Robert Matano who face Gor Mahia

AFC Leopards are under pressure to deliver their first win of the season as they visit Bandari in one of six Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches lined up on Sunday.

Leopards and Sofapaka were the only teams yet to taste a win after six matches but Bototo ba Mungu stunned Kenya Police 1-0 to secure their first victory on Saturday, putting further pressure on Ingwe.

Czech national Tomas Trucha is the new man in the dugout at the den and he will be taking charge of his first match as AFC Leopards coach after replacing Tom Juma who was sacked just before the international break after overseeing the winless run.

Juma’s last match was the 2-0 drubbing in the Mashemeji derby by Gor Mahia before the club went back in for Trucha, who led Ingwe briefly between November and December 2020.

Former Leopards players as well as a section of fans have not warmly welcomed Trucha’s appointment as they feel he lacks the credentials to bring success to the club, meaning the tactician can only answer back with a win.

Bandari FC are also under new coach in the name of former Sofapaka striker and coach John Baraza who replaced sacked Twahir Muhiddin.

Muhiddin was sacked after three straight matches without a win, including back-to-back losses against Kakamega Homeboyz and Bidco United, and Baraza hopes the limping Leopard is the low-hanging fruit that he needs to pluck for three points before tougher tests start.

At Kasarani Stadium, the biggest game of the day will see Tusker host Gor Mahia with the spotlight on coach Robert Matano.

‘The Lion’ has been given al ultimatum to either beat Gor Mahia or face the sack, eliciting a war of words between him and club chairman Charles Gacheru.

Matano claimed he does not work with ultimatums but after two wins, two draws and as many losses that have left the brewers eighth on the standings, eight points behind leaders Posta Rangers, the veteran tactician will need to reply with three points on Sunday.

It will not be easy for Matano and his troops, however, as Gor remain the only two unbeaten team in the division and can move to within one point of leaders Posta following the mailmen’s 3-1 thrashing by FC Talanta on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Shabana will be searching for a second straight victory after ending their winless run with a 1-0 victory over Tusker just before the international break.

Tore Bobe host Nairobi City Stars at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay and coach Sammy Okoth will believe his men can silence Simba wa Nairobi and secure back-to-back wins.

Sunday’s early kick off will see Kariobangi Sharks host Muhoroni Youth at Kasarani Stadium while Bidco United will welcome Murang’a Seal as Kakamega Homeboyz visit Nzoia Sugar.

FKF PREMIER LEAGUE SUNDAY FIXTURES

1pm: Kariobangi Sharks vs Muhoroni Youth (Kasarani)

3pm: Bidco United vs Murang’a Seal (Kasarani Annex)

3pm: Bandari vs AFC Leopards (Mbaraki)

3pm: Shabana vs Nairobi City Stars (Homa Bay)

3pm: Nzoia Sugar vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Sudi)

4pm: Tusker FC vs Gor Mahia (Kasarani)