Baraza confident Police can drown ‘brothers’ Ulinzi

• Police will play the Defense Forces team Ulinzi in a fierce derby
• Last season the two teams played to consecutive draws
• Ulinzi are in the top five of the standings

Kenya Police FC head coach Francis Baraza is confident that his team can topple on form Ulinzi Stars when the two sides clash in what is expected to be a blockbuster derby of the uniformed forces at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.

Police under Baraza have been on a good run and have won two games on the trot to turn their season around after a poor start. They expect to make it a third win against the army men.

Baraza however knows it will not come easy.

“This will be a very tough match because I have watched Ulinzi play and I know they are a very good team. For us, we have prepared well and the players have some renewed confidence especially with the two wins we have had back to back,” said the coach.

“I was new to the team and had been trying to get them to play in a good style and one that I knew would bring results. I am happy that they have grasped my concept and tactics and we are now playing very well. I have a very good team and I know we have what it takes to win,” said the tactician.

Consecutive draws last season

Ulinzi Stars’ John Kago controls the ball under pressure from Kenya Police’s Charles Ouma

The two sides played to consecutive draws when they last faced off in the previous season. They drew 0-0 in the first leg in Nairobi before another stalemate, this time 2-2, in Nakuru.

Ulinzi have had a good start to this season and are currently placed fourth with 14 points from eight matches.

They have won four, drawn two and lost two and are keen to bag another three points against Police. Head coach Bernard Mwalala, also new to the team, has exuded confidence his side can do it.

Meanwhile, bottom side Mathare United will look to get their first victory of the season when they take on FC. Talanta at Kasarani Annex.

Mathare earned their first point of the season in the midweek 1-1 draw with Posta Rangers are coach Boniface Omondi is looking forward to make it three points this time.

Better belief, better motivation

Kennedy Ochieng of Posta Rangers vies for the ball with Curtis Wekesa of Mathare United

“We have better confidence now and the players have the belief. We are facing a tough match but we are ready,” the coach said.

Meanwhile in other fixtures penciled for Saturday, both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will be away from home.

Ingwe will take on Wazito FC at the Muhoroni Stadium while Gor will be at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega taking on hosts Homeboz.

Leopards are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Bidco United, while K’Ogalo hope to bounce into the top three with victory.

FKF Premier League weekend fixtures (Kick off 3pm unless stated)

Wazito FC vs AFC Leopards (Muhoroni Stadium), FC Talanta vs Mathare United (Kasarani Annex), Tusker FC vs Nzoia Sugar (Ruaraka Complex), Kakamega Homeboz vs Gor Mahia (Bukhungu Stadium), KCB vs Kariobangi Sharks (Nyayo Stadium), Sofapaka vs Nairobi City Stars (Kasarani Stadium, 1pm), Kenya Police FC vs Ulinzi Stars (Kasarani Stadium, 3:15pm)