- KCB have won their last two matches
- They can move second with a win
- Leaders Posta Rangers play City Stars in Machakos
KCB FC Head Coach Bernard Mwalala has called for his charges not to drop the anchor as they take on Shabana at Raila Odinga Homabay Stadium.
The bankers, who have secured back-to-back victories are currently placed third on the Premier League table, trailing the league leaders, Posta Rangers FC, by a mere 3 points.
KCB has been boosted by the return of Derrick Otieno, who was stretched off during the Murang’a Seal clash with a knee injury. The attacking midfielder, a consistent starter in Mwalala’s lineup, has featured in all 12 Premier League matches played by the team thus far.
Mwalala said, “Our preparations have been top-notch, leaving no room for complacency. Facing Shabana FC is a significant test, and we are fully aware of the stakes. The entire squad is motivated and ready to give their all on the pitch. Our objective is clear, secure the three points and continue our ascent in the league standings.”
Mwalala also called on his point man, Francis Kahiro, who currently shares the second spot for the league’s top scorer with 5 goals, to capitalize on his goal-scoring form to secure a name for himself in the league.
“Francis is currently performing admirably, and I am genuinely proud of him. He is a striker who consistently gets at least three chances in a match, and I just want him to maintain his focus and confidence. I am confident he can finish the season on a high note.”
Maintain winning mentality
KCB players celebrate their goal against AFC Leopards during a past match
“As a team, we have to maintain a winning mentality. Facing Shabana FC is another opportunity for us to showcase the level of our improvement this season. We are committed to giving our best on the field,” KCB FC Captain Gabriel Andika noted.
Shabana on the other hand have had a torrid start to the season. With only two wins in 12 matches, the Premier League newcomers are staring at the possibility of fighting for survival, and they are seeking to earn a win to put their campaign back on track.
Meanwhile in other matches set for Saturday, military side Ulinzi Stars will look to rise from the poor run of three losses on the trot when they play away to FC Talanta. The Soldiers have dropped in the standings, and last week’s defeat at the hands of Kakamega Homeboyz at home piled pressure on coach Anthony Kimani.
The tactician has admitted that the team has been hit with a slight confidence blow, after their bad run, but remains optimistic they are in a good frame to bounce back.
“Every player in the world always suffers a huge confidence glitch when they go for a few games without winning. It is not different for us. Of course there is a tendency to have low confidence but that is where we come in as a technical bench. We have to ensure that we get them into the right frame of mind,” Kimani said.
Few areas not working well
He added; “It is not that we are playing badly. We just have a few areas that are not working yet and in the end, they come back to haunt us. We are losing by very fine margins.”
They come up against an equally strong Talanta side, which has not lost in their last five matches. They have three draws and two wins and have kept three clean sheets in those five matches.
Meanwhile, league leaders Posta Rangers are looking to extend their lead on top of the log as they welcome Nairobi City Stars in Machakos.
The mailmen put off a run of three winless matches last weekend with a well worked 3-1 win over Shabana FC and victory over City Stars will see them put back a four point buffer between them and second placed Gor Mahia.
City Stars also come into the duel with some injection of confidence, having convincingly won their last match 3-1 against Kariobangi Sharks.
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