Can Ulinzi Stars maintain winning run against Muhoroni Youth at dreaded Muhoroni Stadium?

Ulinzi Stars players train ahead of their crunch fixture against Muhoroni Youth on Friday. Photo Credit || Ulinzi Stars.

FKFPL Can Ulinzi Stars maintain winning run against Muhoroni Youth at dreaded Muhoroni Stadium?

Mark Kinyanjui 10:44 - 29.09.2023

Ulinzi and Muhoroni Youth will be locking horns on Friday afternoon with both sides itching to get a win to help them in their quest to continue climbing up the league table.

Ulinzi Stars will be facing Muhoroni Youth at the dreaded Muhoroni Stadium hoping to maintain the winning momentum after finally recording their first victory with a win over Sofapaka last Sunday.

The Soldiers have taken time to adapt to new head coach Antony ‘Modo’ Kimani’s methods of keeping the ball and dominating the possession game, as they attempt to move away from previous incumbent Bernard Mwalala’s ideas of being compact and being physically and defensively resolute.

As a result, they failed to register a win in each of their opening three fixtures but were relieved following their maiden victory of the season over the Batoto ba Mungu.

They will however have their work cut out to beat Muhoroni, who have also proven to be defensively resolute this season, although they are struggling to create a load of chances from open play.

The side have relied on set piece situations to try and create chances, using Chris Wesonga’s excellent right foot to whip in balls that the opposition find problems dealing with.

Muhoroni have kept two clean sheets this season, and Ezekiel Onyango has looked impressive in goal since winning his place back in the side after he played no part in the last nine games of the season as he picked up a knock, which allowed backup keeper Tom Muthomi to play a key part in helping the side avoid the drop.

Against Tusker, his shot-stopping capabilities denied players like diminutive striker Erick Kapaito from getting off the mark for the Ruaraka-based outfit as he kept the score respectable in the 1-0 loss.

They have also relied on their home advantage, as sides have generally tended to struggle to get any points after making the trip to Got Alila, including giant clubs such as Gor Mahia and Tusker.

“Tusker punished us a little but I hope we will correct it. I think the coach knows that the four games we have played so far have given us a platform to prepare well for the game on Friday,” Muhoroni captain Collins Neto said.

“Preparations have been good, the boys have trained well, there are no injuries,” head coach Charles Odera said.

Ulinzi will be hoping that the hill does not prove too steep for them, as they lost 3-2 in April, incidentally, the last time they visited the ground.

The Soldiers will hope Boniface Muchiri will be able to build on from his inspired performance which helped them get their first win of the season.

Muchiri’s pace, trickery, set piece deliveries, ability to take his man when in one-on-one as well as his crossing will be vital if the side is to maintain its return to winning ways.