Kariobangi Sharks have an opportunity to record two straight Football Kenya Federation Premier League victories for the second time this season when they face Wazito on Wednesday.
After edging Sofapaka 2-0 last weekend, Sharks ended a five-match winless run in the league that was beginning to pile pressure on coach William Muluya and his men.
It is a season they have struggled for consistency and have put together two consecutive league wins, once back in January.
But if they beat Wazito, they would have achieved something they could have done better in the five games they have played in the last four weeks.
They are trying to do that against a struggling Muhoroni-based side wallowing at the near foot of the table.
Fortune Omotto was one of the Sharks’ better players in their game against Sofapaka, and he also came very close to scoring. The experienced midfielder will be determined to lead his side to a much-needed win.
Kariobangi Sharks are currently in 11th place on the log after amassing 20 points after 16 games. As the home side, Wazito have one win, three draws, and three losses to their name in seven matches played at Muhoroni Stadium this season.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Muluya believes his side will pull a win against Wazito before turning their focus to the FKF Cup.
“We scored and defended well (against Sofapaka) unlike the past matches where we scored and conceded. Our next game is against Wazito and that is a match that we must win and after that we will shift focus to the cup game (against Marula).” said Muluya.
Wazito continued with their poor run of form last Saturday when they were beaten 1-0 by fellow strugglers Mathare United.
They are currently placed 17th on the standings – three points behind 14th-placed Mathare and they will be desperate for a win that would see them move one place up on the standings in their quest to move from the red zone.
Charles Odera will be keen to get the monkey off his back as he lost his first match as Wazito coach to the Slum Boys.
The coaches and players have reviewed Mathare’s defeat, and they need to be better in front against Kariobangi Sharks and break their winless streak.
In spearheading the Wazito attack, Collins Neto will be relied upon to stretch the Sharks backline. After a slow start to the season, Neto has been in fine form of late and will now have the chance to inspire his team against a young Sharks side.
Wazito have gone ten league matches without a victory, as they last won a game in mid-January.
In head-to-head stats, Kariobangi Sharks and Wazito have met in seven league matches since the 2017/2018 season. Sharks have claimed four wins compared to one for Wazito, while three games have been drawn.
