Tusker players in training/HANDOUT Equity Bank FC head coach John Benzo has insisted his side remains firmly in contention for SportPesa Premier League qualification despite slipping to fourth place on the National Super League table. Benzo said the bankers still have a realistic chance of sealing promotion with five matches left to play.
“We are only four points behind the top three teams. With five games to play, we still have 15 points to play for. We are firmly in the race for SportPesa League qualification,” said Benzo.
3K FC currently lead the standings with 68 points, level with second-placed Migori Youth and third-placed Mombasa United, with goal difference separating the three sides.
Equity are fourth on 64 points. Speaking to the Star on Friday, Benzo expressed confidence that his charges can maintain their impressive run and collect maximum points from the remaining fixtures.
“I’m positive. We have not lost a game since February, and we want to maintain our winning streak until the end of the season,” he added.
Ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash against leaders 3K FC at Moi Stadium in Embu, Benzo said his side is determined to end the hosts’ unbeaten streak under coach Nicodemus Omasete.
“I know they are in top form, but we are also in good form. Expect an entertaining game. We want to complete a double on them because we won the first leg 2-1. The confidence in the camp is high,” remarked Benzo.
The tactician also lauded his team’s campaign so far, noting that most of the players are experiencing National Super League football for the first time. “More than 75 per cent of the players have never played in the NSL.
This is a team we assembled at the beginning of the season, and they have performed beyond expectations,” he noted. Benzo further praised the form of striker Rashid Moyo, who has emerged as the club’s leading scorer with 15 goals this season.
“Last season, he scored three goals with Naivas. He has so far scored 15, and he has a target of 20 goals,” he said.
The coach also described the National Super League as one of the most competitive leagues in recent years.
“The teams are only separated by a few points from the top of the table to the bottom,” said Benzo.
FIXTURES
Saturday
Nairobi City Stars vs Mully Children’s Family (Gems Cambridge Karen)
Darajani Gogo vs Vihiga United (Marist University Karen)
Migori Youth vs Kibera Black Stars (Awendo Green Stadium)
Gucha Stars vs Luanda Villa ( Cardinal Otunga High, Mosocho)
Sunday
Soy United vs Kabati Youth (Eldoret Showgrounds)
Kisumu All Stars vs MOFA (Jomo Kenyatta Stadium)
Nzoia Sugar vs Naivas FC (Sudi Stadium)
3K FC vs Equity Bank FC (Moi Stadium, Embu)
Mwatate United vs Mombasa United (Wundanyi Stadium)
