Nzoia Sugar head coach Godfrey 'Solo' Oduor believes his charges possess the mojo to wring out maximum points against rivals Bandari at Mbaraki Grounds, Mombasa, on Saturday.
The Bungoma-based millers will flex muscles with the Dockers as the Kenyan Premier League action finally takes centre stage again after a monthlong festive-season break.
"I'm confident this is a match we can easily win if we get our script right in Mombasa," Oduor remarked.
"We began the season on a slow note but I have seen some tremendous improvement and we have only lost matches because of a few loopholes in certain departments," he added.
Oduor played down fears they could be experiencing their sunset year on the topflight stage following a torrid run that has them dangling precariously at the tail end of the log with a paltry 13 points from 16 matches.
"We intend to try as much as we can to evade relegation given we are in the red zone," Oduor said.
Oduor, however, expressed grave concerns about an impending mass exodus of players from the side, adding that he has received first-hand information that well-oiled KPL rivals are plotting to raid his camp for quality talent.
The scenario is reminiscent of the previous season when Nzoia had a dozen of their players snatched from their fold after a splendid season that saw them crack a top-five finish.
"Unfortunately, we might have to contend with losing yet another set of instrumental players to rival clubs once again. We already have information that five of our players have attracted interest from other clubs," Oduor remarked.
The gaffer, however, said they have already put remedial measures in place to counter the detrimental effects of the impending player departure.
"We are also moving into the transfer market to fish out good players who can get the job done," he stated.
In other matches scheduled for Saturday, second-placed Posta Rangers will host leaders Gor Mahia in a top-of-the-table clash at Machakos Stadium.
Nairobi City Stars will look horns with city rivals Talanta at Kasarani Annex in Nairobi as struggling Kisii-based side Shabana tackle Muhoroni Youth at the Raila Odinga stadium in Homabay county.
Kenya Police have an arduous task against high-flying Kakamega Homeboyz at the Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.
On Sunday, Kariobangi Sharks will dare Murang'a Seal to a vicious duel at the Police Sacco Stadium while Sofapaka will clash with Bidco United at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
AFC Leopards host Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi on a day that KCB will dare Tusker at Police Sacco Stadium.
