Power Derby to light up midweek action
Barry Silah @obel_barry
As action in the Betika National Super League enters round six today, one fixture that is likely to capture attention is the ‘Power Derby’ involving Coast Stima and Nairobi Stima.
A total of 10 matches are lined up across the country as the championship begins to take shape.
Also Read:
However, the derby at Mbaraki Grounds this afternoon promises a cracker.
Both sides are in the top 10 although Coast Stima who started the season stronger are second on the log with 10 points while Nairobi Stima are eighth.
Nairobi Stima coach Collins Omondi is expecting a tough match on the road. “It is a derby so it will be difficult.
The teams know each other well but my intention is to pick points since we have planned appropriately,” he told People Sport on the phone yesterday.
Nairobi Stima has a 2-1 head-to-head record in recent times and wants a quick win following last weekend’s 2-3 loss to third-placed Fortune Sacco.
Another exciting fixture slated for today is the Lakeside derby pitting Kisumu All-Stars and Kisumu Hot Stars, formerly Chemelil Sugar.
The rivals have had a long running rivalry over who is boss in Kisumu.
All-Stars who were relegated last season are currently fifth on the log with nine points off five matches, while Hot Stars are 11th in the standings with seven points.
All-Stars are coming from a recent 1-1 draw with league newcomers Mully Children’s Family.
In another fixture, league leaders FC Talanta take on newbies Silibwet Leons at Ruaraka Grounds.
Talanta who have 10 points have lost only once in five rounds and Ken Kenyatta’s men are likely to go full-out to unsettle the championship freshmen.
Silibwet is an impressive seventh on the log with eight points after posting two wins out of five and two draws in their maiden season.
Migori Youth, 14th following their recent 1-1 draw with Kenya Police, face improving Kibera Black Stars next.
Black Stars under Elvis Ayany beat Vihiga Bullets 2-1 last Friday to move into fourth place with nine points but Coach Kevin Oluoch believes he has a plan of action.
“I know the opponents really well because we have met a couple of times. Black Stars are organised and tactical and therefore that match will be tricky.
However at home, we know how to turn on the heat so we will go in ready.
Definitely we will make a couple of changes and try to fix certain gaps we have witnessed recently.”
