Shikokoti confident Nairobi Stima can tax Ushuru for victory
Barry Silah and Gibo Zachary
Memories of last season’s play-offs are still fresh in the minds of Nairobi Stima after they lost in a two-leg clash with Posta Rangers for the sole ticket to top flight football.
It was a lesson learnt and according to towering captain Joseph Shikokoti, it was a harsh lesson that they wouldn’t want to be subjected to another play-off to determine their fate.
The table toppers have had a flying start to this season, picking maximum points from three matches having scored 13 goals; 11 of which came against league debutants. Shikokoti told People Sport they were focused on winning all their league matches, but at the same time noted that they would not underrate any team.
“Every match is important for us and as a team we learn to respect all opponents. This is a very competitive league but what has happened is that we have brought on board experienced players to show that we mean business.
I believe this will be our season to shine if we maintain the momentum,” said the towering 6ft 7 veteran centre back formerly of Tusker and AFC Leopards.
The face title rivals Ushuru this afternoon in Naivasha, in a match that would be their first key test of the season and fixture has never had a favourite looking at their previous meetings.
Another unbeaten side Bidco United under coach Anthony Akhulia will be at home to third-placed Nairobi City Stars at Thika Stadium in another match expected to be a cracker.
Bidco are yet to concede in their last three matches and with nine points in the bag, they look like serious contenders this time.
City Stars with seven points have the established old guard such as Noah Abich, Jimmy Bageya and Anthony Kimani to add stability to the side, but coach Akhulia is otherwise hopeful of a good run.
Elsewhere at Gusii Stadium, Shabana head coach Gilbert Selebwa has urged his players to maintain their winning run when they welcome unpredictable St Joseph Youth.
The team started the season on wrong note with a 2-0 loss to Nairobi City Stars but bounced back in their second and third matches, beating Murang’a Seal 2-1 and Modern Coast Rangers 3-2 and Selebwa wants his boys to make it a perfect three out of three.
