- The brewers are unbeaten in four matches
- They are looking to get into the top eight in the standings
- Nzoia are winless in their last five games
Tusker FC have set their sights on clinching three points in Bungoma, when they clash against Nzoia Sugar in the penultimate game of the calendar year at the Sudi Stadium.
The brewers travel to Bungoma on the backdrop of another travel that scooped three points, having beaten Bidco United 3-2 in Muranga in midweek.
The team will be looking to earn maximum points that would potentially move them into the top eight of the log.
The brewers are currently 11th with 19 points and haven’t lost the last four with two draws and two wins.
“We know it is going to be a difficult match playing away from home. Nzoia is never an easy opponent in their backyard but as a team we have prepared well. We want to rake in consistent results especially as we close in on the end of the first leg,” said midfielder Stewart Omondi.
Tusker’s last three travels to Bungoma have ended up in a defeat, a draw and a victory. Their last trip to the Sudi Stadium was a 1-0 win towards the end of last season.
Tusker set their sights on clinching three points
Tusker FC mnidfielder Joseph mwangi will return to face his former employers Nzoia
James Kibande, now with the 12-time league champions, scored the solitary goal that handed Nozia victory from the penalty spot. Kibande has since crossed over to Tusker, but has not made the squad that plays against his former team on Sunday.
But one player who makes the squad to face his former employers is midfielder Joseph Mwangi. The 24-year old was Nzoia’s top scorer last season, but is yet to find his scoring boots with Tusker having scored only once so far.
“I have been working to integrate myself with the team as well as the coach’s philosophy. It has not been eassy especially finding my scoring touch but I am looking forward to doing even better,” Mwangi said ahead of the game.
On what he expects on his return to Nzoia for the first time since moving away, Mwangi said; “I don’t know how the fans will react seeing me as an opponent and last season we made so many memories together. But all in all, I expecta. Good atmosphere.”
Nzoia on the other hand will be seeking to battle for a win at home, having had a difficult start to the new season. They had to scour for an almost completely new team after 90percent of the squad left at the end of last season.
Nzoia lose many key players
Tusker FC have set their sights on clinching three points in Bungoma
Their key players, Mwangi and Kibande joined Tusker FC, midfielder Kevin Juma went to Gor Mahia while almost six players, led by goalkeeper and captain Humphrey Katasi joined AFC Leopards.
Their coach, Salim Babu, also left and joined the Kenya Police FC technical bench where he is currently an assistant coach.
The only surviving members from that squad include Victor Maliachi, Thomas Harun and Ronack Otieno.
The massive change in playing personnel has affected them as they are in the relegation zone, placed 17th in the standings with 10 points, one shy of bottom place.
Their last match was a 2-2 draw with Gor Mahia in Homabay, a game in which they had led 2-0 after half an hour.
They will look for a response, playing at home against the 12-time champions. Their only two victories this season have been at the Sudi Stadium, the 2-1 season opener over Ulinzi Stars, and a 1-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks.
In other matches scheduled for Sunday, Sharks will host Bidco United at the Police Sacco Stadium, Talanta host Gor Mahia in Kakamega, Posta Rangers face Muhoroni Youth in Machakos, while Ulinzi host City Stars in Lang’ata.
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