Tusker out to open a nine point gap at the top of the log

Tusker will be out to open a nine point gap at the top of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League when they play Nairobi City Stars on Saturday at the Utalii grounds.

The brewers sit at the summit with 35 points, six clear of second placed KCB and welcome the league returnees aiming at establishing a healthier cushion in their race to win their 12th league title.

Having enjoyed a week's rest owing to the international engagements of the national team, Tusker assistant coach Charles Okere admitted that the breather gave the technical bench time to work on their weak areas ahead of the game.

 "I believe it has been a good opportunity for us to go back to the drawing board and plan well for the remaining games of the season and most importantly, our next game against Nairobi City Stars. The break has also been good for us to try and look at areas where we needed improvement and worked on them,” he said.

He adds; “Offensively we were doing well but we had some few lapses in compact defending and that is one of the things we have tried to work on and perfect,” said the youthful coach.

Similarly, City Stars second assistant head coach John Amboko noted that the break was crucial in relieving fatigue in their camp.

"The break came at a time when clubs needed it most. We gave our players sufficient time to rest and later regrouped for the Tusker match which we expect to be tough. We know they are on form but we believe we are equally ready to muscle for the three points," said the former AFC Leopards defender.

Simba wa Nairobi will be aiming to return to winning ways after bitterly losing 1-0 to Leopards in their last match. They rank ninth with 19 points.

Elsewhere at the Kasarani Annex, Bandari will be pursuing to return to their winning ways when they tackle Wazito.

The dockers who will miss the services of their central pairing Brian Otieno and Bernard Odhiambo who are suspended wrestled Nzoia Sugar to a one all draw in their last match.

With the two defenders out, coach Andre Casa Mbungo is set to pair Felly Mulumba and Dan Guya at the heart of the defence.

Guya was initially a doubt for the match thanks to illness but the former FC Talanta man made to the squad which arrived in Nairobi on Thursday.

Bandari who are perched fifth with 26 points while Wazito breath behind their backs with 24 points.