Nairobi United eye win over Nzoia as life under Sakaja Foundation begins

Nairobi United will welcome Nzoia Sugar at their home ground at Dandora Stadium on Sunday.

This will be the first match after Nairobi United was officially sponsored by Sakaja Foundation on October 27.

Coach Mwaura believes that the new takeover which means new funding scale will inject new adrenaline in the team when they approach the next opponent at home. 

 ‘’I take this sponsorship as a motivating factor as we approach the next match because if the players are assured, they approach the game with such a sober mind. I have also stressed to the players that the main focus is on winning this game, as one way of appreciating the significant changes taking place in the club this time,’’ Mwaura said.

The last match against Mombasa Stars, Nairobi United won 2-1, with Duncan Omalla scoring a brace.

Coach Mwaura has a full squad to select from for the Nzoia Sugar clash, save for Omalla who is among the players Rising Stars camp preparing for AFCON U-20 CECAFA qualifiers in Tanzania.

‘’Even if Omalla isn't there I've prepared the whole team and we are ready to win the weekend's match. When Omalla returns, his place is still there and I hope he can find a challenge from his teammates. It is healthy in football. The important thing is to make sure that the team wins,’’ he explained.

Nairobi's Omalla is younger brother of Harambee Stars forward Benson Omalla. He shot to the limelight in the last edition of Safaricom Chapa Dimba, and went on to shine with the U-18 national team during the CECAFA finals in Kisumu under coach Salim Babu.

On his part, Nairobi United captain Isaac Ouma believes that the team has a real chance to make it to the Premier League next season, under the Sakaja Foundation.

“This sponsorship is a game changer because it means the financial challenges will end, allowing optimum performances. It is also an extra motivation for the players for the next home match against Nzoia and as a team, we expect nothing but a win,’’ observed Ouma.

Elsewhere, Migori Youth will welcome Kisumu All-Stars who suffered a defeat in their opening match against 3K FC by four goals to nil. The match will be played at Migori stadium on Sunday.

Naivas Fc will be looking for the first win this season when they visit Assad FC at Ukunda Grounds in Mombasa, after facing a 1-0 loss in their first opening match against MOFA.