In The Den: Week 10

·               Payment Made.

This week, the club made a deposit to General Motors for the purchase of the bus.

The treasurer of the Bus Committee Pamela Lutta shared the news with the AFc Leopards Facebook Branch.

The bus is now being built and soon, this asset will make an appearance at the club - FN

Post Match: Muhoroni (H)

Leopards went back to the top of the league after losing the leadership for 24 hours to Sofapaka when they came from behind to beat a stubborn Muhoroni Youth 2-1 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

How the press covered it:-

MichezoAfrika though Timothy Olobulu wrote:- 

AFC Leopards got back to the summit of the Kenyan Premier League after a hard earned 2-1 win over League debutants Muhoroni Youth in an exciting Kenya Premier League match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Leopards were trailing 0-1 at half time but a thunderbolt from Allan Wanga at the start of the second half cancelled James Okullo’s opener with substitute Victor Ochieng’ crowning off the win with a shot from a tight angle.

Muhoroni started the match a better side pinning the Leopards into their own half. The centre back partnership between Jonas Nahimana and Erick Masika was shaky with the Muhoroni attack trying to exploit their options from there. Amon Muchiri was also unstable on the wings.

It only took 17 minutes for the boys from Muhoroni to notch in the opener. A defensive blunder  gifted James Okullo  the ball right inside the Leopards box, and the winger thrashed the ball inside to erase Patrick Matasi’s four game clean sheet.

Leopards tried hard to get the equalizer before the breather but the Muhoroni side did well in defense. Allan Wanga came closest half an hour into the match but his diving header from Edwin Baraza’s cross went inches over the bar. Jimmy Bageya’s shot after beating the defense three minutes to half time was saved by Gradus Ochieng in the Muhoroni goal.

Come the second half, Ingwe came back like real hungry Leopards taking the Muhoroni side right into their territory. Victor Ochieng’ came in for the not-so-convincing Charles Okwemba. Allan Wanga and Jimmy Bageya were constant threats in the Muhoroni goal with both shots going over the bar in quick succession.

Allan Wanga sounded the reply in emphatic fashion banging in a 67th minute shot with a screamer that only took the shaking of the net to notify Gradus Ochieng’ that indeed the ball had been buried in his net.

Ingwe doubled their advantage just six minutes later when Victor Ochieng’ picked up a loose ball from the right, cut in and beat Gradus at his own near post. 

The win now sees Leopards move to the summit of the league on 13 points, two clear of second placed Sofapaka who were held to a barren draw by Oserian FC on Saturday.

AFC Leopards next assignment will be a mouthwatering clash against arch rivals Gor Mahia at the Nyayo National Stadium next weekend.

The Daily Nation covered it with a photo of Wanga receiving a pre-match award.

 

AFC Leopards overcame a nervous start on Sunday to defeat Muhoroni Youth 2-1 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium and go back to the helm on 13 points, two better than ex-champions Sofapaka.

AFC Leopards, once again, are wasting little time showing whoever cares why their name should always figure prominently when the list of potential Kenyan Premier League winners is being put together.

Allan Wanga saved his fans’ blushes when he equalised in the second half and substitute Victor Ochieng ensured maximum points with a sublime finish in the 78th minute.

James Okulo had put the visitors - 1-0 winners over Gor Mahia last month - on the way to another unlikely victory after only 17 minutes.

This is their fourth successive Leopards’ win and they did so in a manner that suggests they are immune to the nerves that have afflicted their perennial opponents, Gor Mahia.

That reflected their superiority in a season that seems theirs to lose.

“We are savouring the moment. I’m glad to keep on scoring. It gives me the joy to see us win match after match,” Wanga said. “I’m praying for the same form in other fixtures.”

The last scores, however, belied a dreary start by the Leopards.

When Bernard Mangoli was making incomplete passes, the Burundian import, Jonas Nahimana was having a difficult afternoon with his controls. The newly promoted Muhoroni Youth had held Ingwe, as David Ombati and Geoffrey Simiyu constantly threatened upfront. But a sudden turnaround in the last 25 minutes turned the game Leopard’s way. In front of a partisan crowd, Simiyu exposed Edwin Wafula’s lack of pace, and the ball broke for Hamisi Mwinyi, who fired over.

Ombati then had a shot brilliantly saved by Patrick Matasi, whose clean sheet was dotted after 376 minutes.

Gradually, though and like a Leopard seeking to devour its prey, Ingwe gained a foothold in the game, and the goals soon followed.

Wanga troubled Gradius Ooko, the Muhoroni goalkeeper with a dipping shot, and then Jimmy Bageya fired wide after being laid in by Mangoli.

The breakthrough came three in the 64th minute after a high flying Wanga tapped in Amon Muchiri’s lovely cross from the left to cancel the scores as Leopards continued to hunt for more.

Barely 11 minutes later, Victor Ochieng, finished a Bageya’s effort, which was enough to secure his side’s fourth straight win and consequently extend their unbeaten streak to 20 matches.

KPL website wrote:

James Onyango shot the fearless Muhoroni Youth to a 17th minute lead but unlike the last time they did the same to the big-name Gor Mahia, running out 1-0 winners, the spirited rookies found AFC Leopards a different kettle of fish.

Leopards hit back with intent and inside three minutes, Gradus Ochieng’ in the Muhoroni goal, had to deal with fierce shooting from the on-form Leopards Kenya international striker Allan Wanga.

In the 40th minute Muhoroni defenses were troubled and escaped with Wanga making a well-placed appeal for a penalty after he was fouled in the box.

Kenya defender Eric Masika then missed narrowly with a header for Leopards in the 56th minute. But Muhoroni would crack eight minutes later, Wanga tapping in an Amon Muchiri cross from the left to level.

Victor Ochieng’, one of last season’s top scorers that was bought from Chemelil, had come as a substitute before he scored his first goal for Leopards from a Jimmy Bageya assist in the 75th minute.

Leopards [13 points] overtook overnight leaders Sofapaka, a two-point gap separating them on the table.

Michael Kwambo of Kenyanstar wrote:-

Second half goals from Allan Wanga and Victor Ochieng' cancelled out James Okullo's early strike as AFC Leopards returned to the top of the KPL with a 2-1 come from behind win over visiting Muhoroni Youth at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Alfred Imonje's side were the livelier of the two sides during the first quarter of the match, getting their just reward when Okullo capitalized on indecision within the Leopards defence, his strike on 16 minutes putting the side from Western Kenya ahead. This incidentally was the first goal scored against Leopards and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi in 376 minutes this season.

This seemed to rattle the hitherto lethargic Leopards into action, Allan Wanga and Jimmy Bagaye coming close to leveling for the home side. Muhoroni would frustrate Leopards, taking a 1-0 lead into the interval.

Jan Koops' half time pep talk and change in tactics saw Leopards take the game to their visitors upon resumption. Victor Ochieng' on for Charles Okwemba, brought life to Leopards as they went in pursuit of the equalizer.

Pressing their opponents, Leopards would blow several chances before Allan Wanga, who received his KPL Player of the Month award just before kick off, found himself unmarked in the box, blasting home to level the scores on 66 minutes with his third KPL goal of the season. Ochieng justified his inclusion with the winning goal from a tight angle on 73 minutes.

The win saw Leopards retake the lead from Sofapaka who had gone top twenty hours earlier when they played to a 0-0 draw in Naivasha against Oserian. Leopards are on 13 points courtesy of four wins and a draw. Sofapaka have 11 points coming off three wins and two draws.

THE LOG

 

Pre Match: Muhoroni (H)

MichezoAfrika previews the match per Timothy Olobulu:-

Jan Koops’ charges will be welcoming the league debutants at the Nyayo National Stadium, hoping to keep their unbeaten record unchecked. They will be wary of a Muhoroni side who bottled up Gor Mahia 1-0 at the same venue three weeks ago.

Leopards are currently at second spot on the log, with Sofapaka being on top; 11 points after but Ingwe has a match at hand. A win for the Leopards will see them get back to the apex.

Leopards have played four matches with three wins and a draw. They have beaten Ulinzi Stars away in Nakuru, Oserian at the Nyayo Stadium and Mathare United at the same venue. They drew with Chemelil Sugar also at the same venue.

Muhoroni are placed 10th after four matches with four points. They have won once, lost twice and drawn once.

An additional report says:-

AFC Leopards midfielder Charles Okwemba is back in the team after missing out last weekend  2-0 win over Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru. He is the only new face in the team and replaces injured Mike Barasa in the starting eleven.

“Last week he was not feeling well and he was not in the correct state of mind. We have looked at him this week and he was very sharp and it was not a problem for me and the technical bench to decide on him to start. Barasa is injured on the shoulder. It is very painful and he cannot play today”, Koops told michezoafrika.com.

The coach also says that he expects his charges to continue with their unbeaten run though he does not throw all his cards in the cast as per the match.

“I cannot say that we will always win. For me, I say that we will try our best when we get to the field. We respect our opponents and I think we have a good chance of winning and we will try to win because our fans also expect us to win”, he adds.

Patrick Matasi will continue in goal, hoping to continue with his clean sheet. The former West Sugar man has not conceded a goal since the league begun. Amon Muchiri will continue at left back in the absence of the injured Abbas Kiwalabye with Edwin Baraza playing at right back.

Erick Masika and Jonas Nahimana will continue with their job at central defense. Captain Martin Imbalambala will play infront of the defense. Salim Khamis Kinje and Bernard Mang’oli will play in central midfield. Charles Okwemba will play on the offensive right with Jimmy Bageya playing on the offensive left. Allan Wanga will be the lone man upfront.

A win for the Leopards today will see them go back to the top of the log with 13 points. A draw will also see them topple Sofapaka on goal difference.

Full Line up;

Starting XI: Patrick Matasi, Edwin Baraza, Amon Muchiri, Erick Masika, Jonas Nahimana, Martin Imbalambala, Charles Okwemba, Jimmy Bageya, Salim Kinje, Bernard Mang’oli, Allan Wanga

Subs; Barnabas Tiema, Robert Syong’o, Fabrice Tumba, Abraham Cokie, Kadenge, Victor Ochieng’, Francis Chinjili

Michael Kwambo of Kenyanstar writes:-

AFC Leopards recovered from that scoreless home draw against Chemelil in their opening fixture to register three identical 2-0 wins over Mathare United, Oserian and Linz (sic) Stars to go top of the KPL. Jan Koop’s side will try to maintain their momentum and protect their lead when they face a Muhoroni Youth side that surprised Gor Mahia 1-0 in their last outing to Nairobi. A win for Leopards could see them perched atop the KPL summit at the close of business on Sunday. This is a must win clash for the side as a slip up could see them lose the KPL’s prime property.

Muhoroni Youth come to Nairobi on an expedition. The side who are in their debut KPL season are currently placed ninth and will be out to avoid the curse of newly promoted teams that return to the Nationwide leagues at the close of the season. Coached by the wily Alfred Imonje, this side surely knows the importance of collecting points as the more points you have simply determines you continued stay in the league or even the ascent to glory. With this in mind, expect the Muhoroni side that steps out on the day to be competitive in their approach to the game.

In The Den: Week 9

·               The Bus On The Way.

The bus is on the horizons. This was after the club successfully hosted a fund raising event in Week 9 at the Laico Regency Hotel.

The event was dominated by appearances by the fans and was devoid of the politicians who are always taking over such functions.

Branch after branch contributed to the Bus Kitty and some of the branches were able to hit the target set of Kshs. 50,000. The complete list of the donations by the fans was posted on the official website.

The biggest donation of them all on the night belonged to Evans Kidero, the CEO of club sponsors Mumias Sugar, who gave a sum of half a million shillings in his personal capacity.

The total amount raised on the main fundraising night was a sum of Kshs. 2.42 million which when added to the previous raised amount of Kshs. 1.3 million brought the deficit down to Kshs. 2.3 million as the target was a sum of Kshs. 6 million.

It was also announced that with the funds so far raised, the club will be on its way to paying a deposit for the delivery of the bus as the balance is sought.

Finally, there is going to be an asset to be reflected win the club's financial statements. - FN

·               Leopards Number 9.

What a week for the Leopards Number 9.

Scored a goal against Oserian and then followed it up with a goal against Togo when the national football team played the African Cup of Nations 2013 qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium.

Wanga has the pedigree to be up there with the legends of Leopards and depending how the rest of the season pans out, he could be a sensational signing that finally brings the KPL back to the Den. - SE

·               Players Insured.

One of the announcements made by the Chairman of the Club during the fundraiser was that the players of the club are now medically insured. The story was picked up by the Star who reported:-

Kenyan Premier League table-topping AFC Leopards have become the first top flight club in the country to put their players under a medical insurance cover. Club chairman Alex ole Magelo said the cover has been necessitated by the title sponsor Mumias Sugar Company.

This is good news that will be welcomed by the fans who have had the misfortune of seeing some key players in the past suffer injury and not get proper treatment. - VM

Post Match: Ulinzi (A)

Leopards beat Ulinzi 2-0 away to go back to the top of the league after having surrendered the lead for twenty four hours.

Kenyan Star carried this report:-

Two penalty saves from Patrick Matasi and goals from Jonas Nahimana and Allan Wanga saw AFC Leopards stay top of the 2012 KPL standings as they beat 2010 champions Ulinzi FC 2-0 at Nakuru's Afraha Stadium.

An action packed first first saw both sides ask questions of each other, Jimmy Bagaye and Allan Wanga causing the Ulinzi defense all sorts of problems. The home side would also ask questions of Leopards but the antics of Patrick Matasi in goal ensured that the score line would remain 0-0 as time went by.

Ulinzi would go in pursuit of the opener and had their chance when Leopards defender Eric Masika brought down Steve Waruru inside the box on 31 minutes. Center referee Nassur Doka pointed to the penalty spot but Matasi blocked Waruru's penalty, keeping the scores at 0-0.

Matasi would then deny Ulinzi's Wycliffe Ochomo before half time as the teams went into the interval deadlocked at 0-0.

Second half action saw the visitors up the ante, winning a penalty soon after the restart following a foul on the Ugandan pocket rocket Bagaye. Rwandese international Jonas Nahimana stepped, coolly slotting the spot kick past Ulinzi keeper Jackton Odhiambo, handing Leopards a 1-0 lead.

Odhiambo would soon be called into action, saving from Allan Wanga after Ben Mang'oli had played him in.

With the tide shifting, Ulinzi went in pursuit of an equalizer and had the opportunity handed to them on a silver platter, winning a penalty after Nahimana handled in the box. Kelvin Amwayi, formerly at Western Stima, stepped up to take the kick but Matasi did the improbable, blocking his shot and protecting Leopards lead.

Leopards would drill the final nail in Ulinzi's coffin, winning a free kick as they made in-roads in their opponents territory. Wanga stepped up to take the free kick, beating a stranded Odhiambo in the Ulinzi goal as he doubled the lead, a lead that they held to the end.

The result sees Leopards stay top of the 2012 KPL with ten points from four outings.

Futaa had this report by Patrick Korir:-

Three penalties, two saved, one scored was the summary of a Kenyan Premier League game played at the Afraha Stadium on Sunday 4 March 2012 that AFC Leopards emerged 0-2 winners. 

Of the three penalties, AFC Leopards keeper Patrick Matasi twice saved two penalties – each earned by 2011 Golden boot winner Stephen Waruru. 

On 34 minutes, a charging central defender Eric Masika hacked down the dangerous striker in the box and Centre referee Nassur Doka pointed straight to the penalty spot.

Waruru’s shot went straight to Matasi who got his foot to the ball that went back into play. 

Prior to that penalty miss, AFC Leopards had shown early intent earning back to back corners in the third and fourth minutes. After the first, Ulinzi’s Mulinge Munandi put his foot forward to get the ball off the line to concede the second that was finally wasted. 

On nine minutes, Kevin Serenge wins a free kick, and as it floats goal ward it was met by unmarked Geoffrey Kokoyo but his kick was wayward. 

There was action in each of three minutes starting with the 27^th minute. Former Gor Mahia striker Wycliffe Ochomo was in the box but caught offside and the next minute a shot on goal by Waruru was punched for a corner by Matasi for a corner.  

The next minute Jimmy Bageya fouled Serenge and a free kick floated to the box was wasted by Eric Apul who headed it wide. 

The game rolled to the break with AFC Leopards enjoying a 54% game share compared to hosts Ulinzi who had 46%. 

Three minutes into the second half, Geoffrey Kokoyo with a seemingly harmless tackle got Bageya rolling in the box and Doka, for a second time in the game, pointed to the spot. Jonas Nahimana stepped up to score handing Leopards a 0-1 lead. 

On 54 minutes, Stephen Waruru sent a long lob from the right into the box but a header from Ochomo was picked up by Matasi. Five minute later Waruru’s shot in the box was handled by Nahimana and for a third time in the game Doka pointed to the spot'. 

Kevin Amwayi went for the penalty but for a second time in the game, Matasi in Leopard’s goal went the right way to save his team. 

Ulinzi could have leveled on 70 minutes had Evans Amuoka, alone in the box, not miscued a shot when well placed. 

Three minutes later, Kokoyo downed his best friend Allan Wanga at the edge of the box. Wanga then dusted himself up, stepped back and sent a rocket to the top right corner away from Jacktone Odhiambo. 

The game then rolled on to its final minutes and Ulinzi could have gone down further had its former player Mike Baraza not have been denied in the final minute of the game by keeper Odhiambo.

With the win, Leopards who began the day placed second in the league standings now romp back to the top with ten points from four games. Ulinzi remain seventh with four points. 

Line ups

Ulinzi Stars: 28. Jacktone Odhiambo, 4. Kevin Ouma, 3. Hussein Mohamed 2. Geoffrey Kokoyo (Captain) 8. James Mulinge, 29. Stephen Ocholla,  22. Stephen Waruru 20. Chester Okoyo – 65), 6. Eric Apul, 31. Wycliff Ochomo (11. Lawrence Owino – 74), 7. Evans Amuoka, 26. Kevin Amwayi

Substitutes not used: 21. Francis Ochieng (Gk), 23. Amon Mwamburi, 16. Mohamed Hassan, 9. George Otieno, 19. Oliver Ruto

AFC Leopards 1. Patrick Matasi, 5. Edwin Baraza, 17. Jonas Nahimana, 40. Eric Masika, 14. Amon Muchiri, 4. Martin Imbalambala (Captain), 22. Bernard Mang'oli, 18. Salim Khamis (7. Oscar Kadenge – 86), 50. Jimmy Bageya, 9. Allan Wanga, 11. Mike Baraza.

Substitutes not used: 19. Barnabas Tiema (Gk), 26. Robert Syongoh, 34. Victor Ochieng, 8. Laurent Tumba, 12. Augustine Etemesi, 30. Samuel Mwangi

MichezoAfrika carried this report.

The Nation carried this report though the same had some factual errors:-

It was Masika who brought down Waruru and not Nahimana. It was Bagaye who was brought down in the Ulinzi D and not Nahimana. It was Nahimana who handled and not just 'one of the Leopards defenders'.

Supersport had this report from Collins Okinyo:-

Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was the hero for his side saving two penalties as AFC Leopards humbled Ulinzi Stars 2-0 in an electrifying game played at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Sunday. 

Burundian International Jonas Nahimana put Leopards ahead in the 49th minute from the penalty spot after Stephen Ocholla has impeded Jimmy Bageya forcing referee Nasur Doka to point to the spot. 

AFC Leopards pressure seemed relentless as Allan Wanga put Leopards further ahead in the 70th minute firing in an unstoppable freekick that beat Ulinzi keeper Jacktone Odhiambo all ends up. 

Earlier in the game Eric Masika clattered Stephen Waruru in the box but last year’s top marksman failed to beat Matasi with the resultant spot kick. 

The scenario replicated itself in the 55th minute when Nahimana handled in the box after a fierce Waruru shot but this time it was Kevin Amwayi who saw his penalty once again blocked by the impressive Matasi to deny Ulinzi yet again. 

The win pushed Leopard back to the top of the league table with 10 points from four games and it was the second loss to Ulinzi who have four points. 

"The players gave 100 percent and I have to give a special mention to keeper Patrick Matasi for his heroic saves that enabled us to win," AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops told SuperSport.com. 

Ulinzi coach Benjamin Nyangweso was a dejected man after the match, "we had very clear chances to go ahead but we failed to take them with the two lost penalties that gave Leopards the incentive." 

KPL website reported:-

AFC Leopards, for the first time that most can remember, rode to the top of the Kenyan Premier League, the heroics of their goalie Patrick Matasi deciding the 2-0 result of a dramatic encounter with Ulinzi Stars at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Sunday.

In a day of unimaginable jubilation for Leopards fans, it was massive gloom for supporters of arch rivals Gor Mahia who were shocked by a 1-0 defeat by Karuturi Sports in Naivasha, sparking bitter criticism of coach Anaba Aono.

Leopards’ supporters may have believed in the ability of their team but after an absorbing ninety minutes at Afraha Stadium, they may have discovered that the team also carried a fair amount of luck this season.

Three deserved penalties were awarded but Matasi foiled two of Ulinzi’s as Leopards converted one of theirs.

First, Eric Masika fouled Stephen Waruru. The last season’s top scorer rose up to take the Ulinzi spot kick but Matasi stopped the shot.

Two minutes into the second half Geoffrey Kokoyo brought down Leopards’ speed star Jimmy Bageya in the box and Rwanda international Jonas Nahimana made no mistake converting to give Leopards a 1-0 lead.

Ironically, Nahimana was to concede Leopards’ second penalty when he handled Waruru’s goal-bound shot in the box.

But when Kevin Amwayi stepped up to take the kick, Matasi palmed the ball back into play and danger was dealt with by his defence.

Bemused Ulinzi were to see a second Leopards’ goal fly past, Allan Wanga’s 73rd minute free-kick resting at the top right corner.

MichezoAfrika through Dennis Machio reported that Matasi was named man of the match:-

After a double penalty save that kept his side in the game against Ulinzi Stars’, AFC Leopards keeper Patrick Matasi was on Sunday afternoon named man of the match to cap AFC Leopards’  super win in Nakuru against 2010 KPL champions Ulinzi Stars who are yet to find a winning formula this season.

Matasi while speaking after the match thanked his hands for guiding AFC to an important win away from home and especially stopping two penalties by Stephen Waruru and Kevin Serenge.

“I thank God for the win, that is the most important thing.” He said.

Matasi reflected back to last week’s performance against Oserian saying he had a weak outing and that motivated his performance on Sunday against Ulinzi Stars.

“ I did not give my best last weekend and I wanted to cover that up wit a good outing today. My defense covered me up well because I was so down against Oserian. I was motivated by that and I wanted to prove a point. This is just the beginning of better things and I thank God because the day went well for all of us.”  He said.

His trainer Mohammed Fwaya was full of praise for the keeper.

“Ever since I started coaching him, he has improved a lot in many aspects of the game and I see him growing each day. He is destined for greatness.” Said Fwaya.

Coach Koops also cast the same image of the keeper.

“I mean what can I say. He is just great and he proved to everyone that he should be in the national team. Saving two penalties in one match and maintaining composure throughout the match is a quality one admires to have in his team.” Said Koops.

Futaa's Brian Moseti also reported on the Man of the Match Award.

Pre Match: Ulinzi (A)

The Leopards take on Ulinzi this weekend in Round 4 of the matches.

Gregory Mulemi writing for Kenyanstar reports:-

Ulinzi stars host AFC Leopards in what is set to be the weekend highlight in round four of the Kenya Premier League. With both sides still unbeaten in this season’s league, both coaches have expressed the desire of getting maximum points in this tie. 

Ulinzi stars coach Benjamin Nyangweso is hoping that he will emerge victorious in Sunday’s match. 

‘The mood in the camp is great and everybody is looking forward to this great match.’
Nyangweso says that the military side is taking the match just like any other match and will expect his charges to give everything just for the points.

‘I can tell you that there are no special preparations for this match. We treat the match just as any other tie and hopefully we will turn tables around.’ 

He has however rued injuries to Josiah Odhiambo, Kevin Simiyu and Enock Momanyi as a big problem going into tomorrows match.

‘We will be missing the services of Simiyu, Enock and Josiah Odhiambo. I have a backup plan thou because I know you cannot face AFC Leopards just as any other side. They are on top form, they have not conceded and I know that they will give us stiff competition. '

AFC Leopards’ coach Jan Koops is however aware of the threat Ulinzi might be posing to his side. 

‘ I have told my players to focus on tomorrow’s game and play their hearts out.' Koops says being top of the league table has motivated his players and they will be seeking to maintain that at all costs. 

Abbas Kiwalabye is missing in action and Koops confirmed that the stocky left back will be out for 4-5 weeks. Charles Okwemba has also been given sometime out and will be out of the first time under Koops' reign as coach.

‘ Abass is definitely out. He landed on a pipe in our last match against Oserian and hurt his knee. Okwemba is out for one week. He has not been in his best form and we thought it wise to give him some time to sort himself out. He will not be traveling with us.’

The much anticipated match is set to take place at the Afraha Stadium on Sunday from 3PM. In the reverse fixture last season, Leopards won by a solitary goal courtesy of Evans Wandera. Leopards leave for Nakuru on Saturday at 2PM

Francis Wadegu writing for The Star writes:-

AFC Leopards strong start to the 2012 Kenyan Premier League season faces a stern test tomorrow at Afraha Stadium Nakuru where they face former champions Ulinzi Stars in a clash that will give an indication of Jan Koop’s side’s ability to go all the away and end their 13 year wait for the national championship.

With seven points out of a possible nine and having not conceded a goal, Leopards go into this clash as league leaders and with striker Allan Wanga in the form of his life the soldiers know they have a fight on their hands. “Leopards have shown massive improvement over the last two years and we expect a tough game against them. The fact that we are at home will count for nothing against them because they are a big side with plenty of support across the country,” opined Benjamin Nyangweso, the Ulinzi coach.

Ulinzi, the 2010 champions will be a handful for the Leopards’ defence marshalled by the club’s most expensive buy, Eric Masika and Heritier Ndombele shielded by lankly skipper Martin Imbalambala. Ulinzi however, also have front men who can breach the best of defences. Evans Amuoka looks to have rediscovered the form that earned him call ups to the national team three years ago. Amuoka has already scored twice this season, in the last two matches, and looks to have formed a lethal partnership with new signing Kevin Amwayi.

Collins Okinyo writing for Supersport reports:

This will be the star match of the weekend as table toppers Ingwe take on 2010 champions Ulinzi Stars at their Afraha Stadium backyard. 

Leopards have enjoyed a great start to the season and coach Jan Koops will again keep faith with most of the boys that did duty against Oserian last weekend. 

Allan Wanga should again lead the attack with Jimmy Bageya in close support while veteran Mike Barasa is pushing for a place in the starting eleven after his goal last weekend. 

They will also draw confidence from their double win over the soldiers last season when they beat Ulinzi by identical 1-0 victories Nakuru and Nairobi. 

This season, Ulinzi have been blowing hot and cold and moving to unfamiliar six place on the log and coach Nyangweso will be looking for an improved performance from his players that include Kevin Amwayi, Stephen Waruru who has yet to score this season and Evans Amuoka to inspire the team. 

Predictions: Ulinzi 1 AFC Leopards 1

Carol Radull writing for The Star predicts a 2-1 win for Leopards.

Ulinzi Stars have had a rough start to the season. After recovering on the second week of matches to beat Karuturi Sport 2 – 1, the soldiers went on to draw 2-2 with the young boys in Thika. What was worrying about that result was that Ulinzi were 2 – 0 up at some point. I’m not sure where that past strength of character has gone but Benjamin Nyangweso needs to do something about it. 

AFC Leopards under Jan Koops meanwhile are on a role. They are currently top of the league and playing like champs. 

Since he took over at the helm in July last year, Koops has not lost a league match. Okay he lost a game 3 – 1 to Gor Mahia but he had only been in charge for two days. Since then he has managed to form a winning team. He has done something to the likes of Allan Wanga who is in the form of his life. Koops has created such depth in the side to the point that Mike Barasa can be a substitute. What? Keep it up Ingwe.

My Prediction: Ulinzi 1 – 2 Ingwe

In The Den: Week 8

·               Top Dogs In Draw.

Picture this. Eight teams in the bowl and the event is the draw of the Top 8 competition that was launched last year. The eight are: Tusker, Ulinzi, Sofapaka, Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Sony Sugar, Rangers and Chemelil in the order in which they finished the league last season.

If they were to do a top versus bottom draw, runners up versus second last and so on, then Leopards would have drawn Gor Mahia. But, no! That is not the criterion being used here. It is a free for all.

So the balls are shaken and drawn and guess who gets pitted against who? Yes. Leopards draw Gor Mahia.

Photo Credit: MichezoAfrika

One of these sides will go out in the first round and not make it to the two legged semi final. There is a groan across the room. You have the feeling even the KPL mandarins are not exactly pleased because this crowd pulling tie happens so early in the competition.

That guarantees a third derby of Kenya this season and also implies that to one of these teams, once the game is over, one of them would not have had the luck of the draw. Now it is no longer just money that is at stake, but pride too. In any event, the money was never in issue since these two teams can play a kick about and attract at least 3 million Kenya Shillings in gate takings, more than the Top 8 cash prize. But, pride? It has no price. Lady luck must have played a role in conjuring this fixture and hopefully, we get treated to a first class derby by both sets of players … and their fans too. - FN

·               All Is Well That Ends in Wells Fargo

This week, the club announced that Ticket Masters, the firm that has been taking care of the Leopards ticketing maters and control of the entry to the stadium had been kicked in the gonads. In its place, Wells Fargo were appointed the ticket agents for the Leopards. 

As pointed out on this blog a few weeks back, during the Leopards and Chemelil match, it was odd that it was indicated that the attendance was 2,485 fans when there were clearly more fans than that in the stadium. Perhaps there were some other failings that Tickets Masters had but shockingly, it was indicated that they had no contract with the club. The Wells Fargo deal was announced to also have the possibility of ripening into sponsorship at a later stage. At the end of the day, the club should get value for its fan’s attendances.

This appointment coincides with the launch of the Jaza Stadi Game Ibambe (Fill The Stadium, Let the Game Pick Up) campaign during the same week. - VB

·               Gate Charges Raised.

During the week, it was announced that the ticket prices was going to be raised by 100% for the terraces and this brought an uproar form a section of fans.

On the popular AFC Leopards Facebook Branch Group wall, a war of words erupted pitting those against the increase against those who were for the increase.

The argument against was that increase of the ticket prices would keep away the returning fans. However, there are those that felt that the prices have been at Kshs. 100 and yet the fans still stayed away. 

The jury is still out on what should be the correct ticket price for a fan to watch the Leopards.- SE