The action is getting more exciting and the table is taking shape as the 2020/21 BetKing Premier League (BKPL) season trudges on. Wazito FC continued with their meteoric rise under head coach Francis Kimanzi as Tusker went top of the league for first time this season.
Here is the Match Day 10 review:
Michael ‘Wise’ Owino gets the scoring feel
It is not an uncommon feature to see a striker do all he is required to, except scoring. He will track back defensively, wriggle past defenders, flick headers to team mates and have a brilliant work rate to compliment all that but unfortunately still end up not scoring. That was the story of Michael Owino since he signed for Wazito at the start of the season. However, on Match Day 10 against Kakamega Homeboyz luck smiled his way. Kevin Kimani floated in a cross from a free kick and Homeboyz keeper Godfrey Oputi had a mix-up with Sylvester Owino. Michael Owino, who was just at the right place pounced and slotted the only goal of the game that ensured Wazito grabbed their fifth win on the trot. The relief at Owino’s first goal was clear, as every Wazito player joined him in celebrating the feat. Hopefully, the first goal will ease pressure on the striker.
Tusker goes top
After a steady run of seven wins and a draw in their last eight games, Tusker finally dislodged KCB FC from the top of the league standings for the first time this season. KCB drew 0-0 away to Ulinzi Stars, opening it up for Tusker to beat Mathare United and go top. A hard fought 1-0 win courtesy of a Luke Namanda strike ensured the Brewers extended their fine form. Although they have played one extra game compared to KCB who trail them by one point, coach Robert Matano will be a happy man with what he has seen especially after the slow start to the season. The team opened with a defeat to AFC Leopards followed by a draw with Bandari FC but have now gone nine games without defeat.
Kapaito and Rupia shaping the Golden Boot race
Kariobangi Sharks forward Eric Kapaito and AFC Leopards striker Elvis Rupia added to their tallies in Round 10, scoring one apiece to help their teams to victories. Kapaito and Rupia are now on 12 and 10 goals respectively. The next challenger is Henry Mejja (Tusker) who is on five goals.
With the two strikers’ rich vein of form, talk of breaking the 20-goal cushion has been rife. It may be too early to call, but all indications show this will be a two-horse race.
Battle of the providers
After match day 10, Danson Chetambe (Bandari), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks) and Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia) all tie at the top of the assists board having aided six goals each so far. As a matter of fact, they’ve been crucial for their teams – Mazembe with his marauding runs and brilliant footwork down the left wing; Muguna in unlocking the opposition defenses with his laser sharp passes and Chetambe with his vision for the killer pass. Without these players their teams would have been limping.
Wazito kick on under Kimanzi
Wazito have not lost any game in the league since 3rd January, winning five consecutive games under new head coach Francis Kimanzi. In his first five games in charge, Wazito managed only one win and two draws, scoring three goals and conceding six in the process. The next five games that would follow have seen Francis Kimanzi’s team keep a perfect run, winning all five. They’ve done it in style and their fighting spirit has been clear to see. In the five matches, the team came from behind twice, scored a last gasp winner and digging in to grab three points after taking an early lead. In the 2019/2020 season that ended prematurely, Wazito had 20 points after 23 games played. This season, Wazito are third on the log, having equaled last season’s tally after playing just ten games.
Many factors are contributing to this superb form from Wazito, but at the face of all of it is one man – head coach Francis Kimanzi.
Ulinzi stay true to their job – Defence
Only three teams in the league have managed to score against Ulinzi Stars this season. Gor Mahia, Nairobi City Stars and Mathare United. The military men have kept seven clean sheets, the most, in the opening 10 games. They continued their solidity over the weekend when they denied the then league leaders KCB a chance to score, drawing 0-0 at Afraha Stadium. They have conceded the fewest goals in the league, having allowed in just three goals.
They are certainly flourishing in their defensive duties. Although it is said that defenses win you titles, the toll is being felt in the attacking department where they are the joint second lowest scoring team, with five goals.
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