Sofapaka warn Police of revenge as they duel in FKF Cup

• Sofapaka were beaten by Police FC 2-1 in the league last weekend
• They meet in the quarter final of the FKF Cup
• KCB will face Kakamega Homeboyz in the other match

Having lost to Police Fc in the league last weekend, Sofapaka meet the law enforcers once again, this time in the FKF MozzartBet Cup, and head coach Zedekiah Otieno has warmed them to expect a different ball game.

Sofapaka had led 1-0 against Police, but a pair of Tito Okello’s penalties saw them lose the duel 2-1.

“Knockout matches are different from league games and in this kind of matches, the team which wants it the most will progress. The approach will not be the same like it was when we played against them in the league. We want to go in and try to win the game early,” Otieno said ahead of the match.

Batoto ba Mungu, who have won the Cup three times, are looking for a consolation this season, with their league hopes dashed as they are way below in the standings.

They come up against an on form Police FC side, who are currently placed second in the FKF Premier League, and are unbeaten this year.

Sofapaka Captain Humphrey Mieno says they will be expecting it tough against Police, but are ready to give their best.

“They have a good team and play really well so it will not be easy. For us, we expect a tough game but we are going there not just to participate but to compete. We know there is a chance to play in the Confederation Cup next season and that is what motivates us,” noted the tactician.

Police eye first ever top title

Police FC players line up before a past match

Meanwhile, Police FC are putting their eyes firmly on the price, seeking a first ever top flight title with the FKF MozzartBet Cup. Police have had a flying start to the year and have not lost a single match since January.

In the Cup, their aim is to go all the way and clinch the title. They will take on Sofapaka in the quarter finals this weekend.

However, coach Salim Babu says they are not over confident heading into that game.

“In this tournament every game is a final and it is not like a league game. We know it will not be an easy game because we beat them last weekend and definitely they want to come in and show what they can do,” Babu says.

He added; “All the players in the team are really upbeat about this tournament. They want to win it and if you look at how we have trained this whole week, the hunger and determination is there.”

Police FC have never made it beyond the quarter finals of the Cup, and they are confident this time round they have a good squad to sail them all the way to the crown.

KCB determined to battle for a trophy this season

KCB FC Players line up before a past match

Elsewhere, KCB FC assistant coach Elvis Ayany says the team is determined to fight for a trophy this season, as they prepare to take on defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz in the quarter final of the FKF Cup.

With the league already out of their reach, the only realistic chance for KCB to get their first ever top flight trophy is through the Cup, and Ayany says that is motivation enough.

“We know how big this is for us and we want to fight all the way to the end. We know we face a very good team and the defending champions, but the ambition for us is to do well and get a win,” said the tactician.

He adds; “The motivation is not just to win a trophy but also get the chance of playing continental football next season for the first time. This will be big for us and our sponsors as well.”

The bankers were eliminated at this same stage by Tusker FC last season, and they are determined to make amends.

Meanwhile, Homeboyz remain confident of winning the game and at the end, defending their title, to enable them play in the Confederations Cup next season as well.

Head coach Patrick Odhiambo says their target is simple, and they have to do their best.

“It is not an easy match but we have our targets as a team. We want to go all the way and defend our title. There are no two ways about it,” the coach said.