Mara Sugar coach Xavier demands consistency from his charges

Mara Sugar will on Saturday seek to climb to second on the National Super League table when they host Naivas FC as the NSL enters second leg.

Coach Francis Xavier said his biggest headache has been the team’s lack of consistency.

“I have encouraged the boys to try and win every game ahead of us. However, my problem has been unpredictability. We have won two and drawn one in our last three matches and it's my hope that we will keep this momentum,” said the former midfielder.

“It’s too early to talk about promotion to the Kenyan Premier League. The second leg of any league is tricky. If we win all our remaining matches then other things will fall into place. The boys have trained well this week and I hope they will replicate it against Naivas.”

In the mid-season transfer window, Xavier signed midfielder Kevin Muhanji from Vihiga Bullets and striker Edwin Ouko from Gusii FC. However, Ouko is ruled out of the weekend clash after picking a knock in training.

Mara are fourth in the standings with 27 points and a win will see them leapfrog Murang’a Seal and Migori Youth.

The match was earlier scheduled for last Saturday but was postponed since Seal were in action in the FKF Cup.

Fifth-placed Kibera Black Stars will hope to get their campaign back on track when they face Silibwet at Bomet Stadium while Kisumu All Stars welcome Gusii FC at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

Leaders Shabana face Kajiado FC at Ildamat Stadium on Sunday in Kajiado county hoping to return to winning ways after a 1-0 loss to Kisumu All Stars last weekend.

Mombasa Elite host Coastal Heroes at Mbaraki Sports Club in a coast region derby.