3K FC coach Nicodemus Omasete is determined to turn his side’s promising start to life in the SportPesa League into victories when they face regional rivals Murang’a Seal in a ‘Murima Derby’ at Moi Stadium, Embu, on Sunday.
The newly promoted side have picked up two points from their opening two matches after drawing 2-2 with Mara Sugar before snatching a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bandari in Mombasa, thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser.
Omasete knows his charges must start converting their performances into wins if they are to make an impression in their maiden top-flight campaign.
“Up next is Murang’a. The league is a marathon, but you still need points to improve your performance. Expect a good outing over the weekend,” Omasete said.
The coach will be looking to build on his team’s effectiveness from set pieces, which have provided a valuable attacking outlet in their opening matches. However, against a Murang’a side that has shown its ability to punish defensive mistakes, 3K FC will need greater precision in both penalty areas.
“We have to keep working and turn these draws into wins. The points are important, even at this early stage, because every result shapes your position in the table,” Omasete said.
Murang’a Seal, meanwhile, head to Embu buoyed by a commanding 5-1 victory over Posta Rangers, a result that offered an emphatic response to their opening-day 4-2 defeat by champions Gor Mahia.
Coach Dennis Odhiambo will be keen to see his players maintain that attacking rhythm while tightening their defence to avoid the mistakes that proved costly against Gor Mahia.
“We were disappointed to concede four goals in our first match, but we went back to the training ground, worked on our mistakes and responded well against Posta Rangers,” Odhiambo said.
The five-goal performance underlined Seal’s attacking potential, but Sunday’s derby presents a different challenge against a side that has shown resilience and an ability to fight until the final whistle.
“We are all set for the match. The boys have worked hard, and the most important thing now is to carry that confidence into Embu and approach the game with the right mentality,” Odhiambo said.
With Seal having collected three points and 3K FC two from their opening two matches, the stakes extend beyond regional pride. A victory for the newcomers would see them move above their rivals, while Seal could strengthen their early position with another three points.
Odhiambo is aware of the threat posed by the hosts, particularly from set pieces, and has urged his players to remain disciplined throughout the contest.
“We respect 3K FC, and we know they can be dangerous, especially from set pieces. We must remain focused, defend properly and take our chances when they come,” he said.
