Villa vow to dump Tusker out of FA Cup

Minnows Luanda Villa will be seeking to upset league leaders Tusker FC in a FKF Cup round of sixteen match at the Ruaraka grounds.

Tusker booked a slot in the round after hammering Marafiki FC 4-1 in Nyeri while Luanda Villa did it the hard way, traveling all the way to Malindi to snatch a 1-0 win over Malindi Progressive.

Against Marafiki, Tusker's coach Robert Matano made some changes to his playing unit and hinted of rotating the starting team against Villa.

“Everything s important to us. Every game is important and we take each game at a time. We are concerned about our results as a team and we are playing for both the league and the Cup. We have to work hard for both trophies. We cannot underrate any team and we will approach every game with seriousness,” Matano said

Odds undoubtedly lean in favor of Tusker but the latter can not afford to underrate the visitors as they have depicted giant killing instincts in the previous editions.

Last year, Villa held pre-match favorites Ulinzi Stars in a round of 32 duel which ended 1-1 in regulat time but eventually lost on post match penalties.

Villa head coach Tom Tera insists that the brewers will get it rough despite their financial challenges and the long trip to Malindi and Nairobi.

"We have had challenges. We have been on the road, traveled all the way to Malindi and to Nairobi. We have been fatigued and have not been able to train well. But the boys are raring to go. We have no worries that Tusker is in the league. We have a very young, energetic and disciplined squad," said the former Vihiga United assistant coach.

Additionally, the gaffer said that the experience in his technical bench owing to the presence of Francis Oduor will go a long way in outwitting the hosts.

The winner of the Cup competition will take home 2M as well as the chance to represent the country in CAF Confederation Cup next season.