Kariobangi Sharks will be looking to kick off the Elite pre-season tournament on a winning note when they tackle the 2009 league champions Sofapaka in the opening match on Tuesday at the Kasarani Annex starting 2:00pm.The tournament, that is comprised of eight teams serves as a curtain raiser to the forthcoming 2022-2023 Football Kenya Federation Premier League season.Sharks playmaker Fortune Omoto says the team has its eyes fixed on a good start and the tournament’s the ultimate prize.##NAJAVA_MECA_6662473##The youngster who is among the players who were spared by the purge that hit the club at the end of the past season said they stand a chance of running away with the title and prize money should they replicate the performance they have depicted in the test matches played before.“Our aim is to be crowned the overall winner of the tournament. For us to get there, we have to begin well. We are coming up against a tough opponent but we have prepared well. There is a good chemistry between the new players and us – we are looking to display it on the pitch,” said the former Nairobi Stima player.⚽| Kesho we open our Elite Pre – Season tournament Vs @FC_Sofapaka pale Annex, catch all the action live on our Facebook page.#BetwaySharks pic.twitter.com/jHxd6DdS4v— Kariobangi Sharks FC (@k_sharksfc) September 19, 2022 Sofapaka team manager Hillary Echesa highlighted the significance of the tournament saying it will help expose their weaknesses before the season gets underway.“The idea of having this tournament is timely for we need to gauge ourselves before the season kicks off. It will help our players gel and note their weaknesses. The team is ready to take on Sharks,” he said.Both teams are expected to unleash their newly-acquired teams in the game.Tough audition for City Stars youngins as revamped Kenya Police await in Elite preseason tourneyInitially, six teams had enrolled for the tournament with Gor Mahia and Ulinzi Stars withdrawing at the eleventh hour. The exit of the two left the organizer with four teams; Sharks, City Stars, Sofapaka and Kenya Police.However, Ulinzi made an about-turn on Monday evening as they confirmed participation with Bidco United, National Super League side MCF and Rainbow FC also joining to raise the number of participants to eight.According to the organizer, Dimba Patriots, APS Bomet were also seeking to join the party that will see the winner pocket a million shillings. Individual awards will also be dished to the outstanding players at the end of the event on Sunday.
