- The league takes a break for the FKF Cup matches
- Tusker have not won the Cup since 201
- Sofapaka are seeking their fourth trophy
The FKF Premier League will take a break this weekend as action shifts to the Football Kenya Federation Cup’s quarter finals, where the winner will earn a ticket to represent Kenya at next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
The Police Sacco Stadium and the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani will host double header matches on Saturday and Sunday, after which the last four will be known.
On Saturday, action will be at the Police Sacco Stadium in South C, with three-time champions Tusker FC taking on KCB in the early kick off while Sofapaka will tackle Ulinzi Stars in the late kick off at 3pm.
Tusker and KCB meet again barely three days after their last clash, a meeting in the FKF Premier League where Tusker won 1-0 at the Ruaraka Complex.
However, despite the fact that the victory at home spurred their confidence against the bankers, Tusker head coach Robert Matano knows it will not be the same when they meet in the Cup.
Focus on the next match
“This is gone and is behind our backs. We know that we will have another tough match against them because no team wants to lose twice against the samne opponent. They will come strong and for us, we will have to be at our best,” the tactician said.
He added; “It is a very tough match for us but we are determined. I trust in my players because this is an opportunity to qualify early for Continental football and also, it is a trophy that we want to win.”
Tusker’s last conquest of the double was in 2016 and Matano is keen to replicate it again. They are currently also in the running for the league title, sitting second in the standings two points behind leaders Gor Mahia.
Meanwhile, Ulinzi takes on Sofapaka in the late kick off as the military side attempts to clinch the trophy missing from their cabinet. The soldiers have won four league titles but have never bagged the Cup. They closest they came was in 2016 when they lost the final to Tusker FC.
Head coach Bernard Mwalala is optimistic that they have what it takes to go all the way and win.
Tough game against Sofapaka
“We have prepared well for the game and we know what is required of us. It will not be easy because Sofapaka have won this three times before and they know how to tackle such matches,” Mwalalala said.
Sofapaka have had poor form in the league and they will look to raise their spirits by doing well in the Cup. Head coach David Ouma believes that qualifying for the semi-finals will have a huge impact in their psychological shape, ahead of the final lap in the league.
“I know it has been tough in the league but we can rectify the situation with this Cup game. It will not be easy because Ulinzi also are a very good team. But we will be out there to do our best and try to win,” noted the tactician.
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