The Mozzart Bet Cup quarterfinal action will continue on Sunday at Dandora Stadium, with four teams jostling for the two available semifinal slots.On Saturday, Kenya Police and KCB progressed to the semis after beating Sofapaka and Kakamega Homeboyz, respectively, in the quarters. The law enforcers defeated Sofapaka 4-0, while the bankers emerged as 1-0 winners over the holders.##NAJAVA_MECA_8063317##At stake is the 2 million shillings prize money for the winners and a chance to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. With Homeboyz already out, it means we will have a new cup winner. Of the remaining teams, only AFC Leopards and Kariobangi Sharks have a cup to their name; the rest, if triumphant, will be first-time winners.Mixed fortunes for Kenyan stars abroadSS Assad vs. Kariobangi SharksThe Ukunda-based National Super League side is one of the non-top-tier teams left in the competition, the other being Compel FC.Assad had to beat Denmak FC in the round of 16 to secure a quarterfinal ticket against Sharks, who came from behind to beat Ulinzi Stars.Last year, Sharks, 2018 winners, exited the competition in the quarterfinals after going down 6-1 to eventual winners Kakamega Homeboyz at Kasarani Stadium. For Assad, this is the highest level they have ever reached in their history.Sharks coach William Muluya is eyeing a return to continental football, believing that winning the Mozzart Bet Cup is the easiest route to achieve that.”This is a shortcut for continental championships. We’ve been there in 2018; we would like to go back there. It’s a good experience for these players, especially those who’ve never had a chance to feature in the African games,” he stated.Mozzart Bet Cup: AFC Leopards coach challenges charges to put Mashemeji Derby hurt behind themMuluya has cautioned against underestimating the National Super League side, as they could easily find themselves out of the Cup.”We are taking the tournament seriously so that we can have a chance to go back to continental competition. It’s a knockout, and we respect SS Assad. We know that if we make any single mistake, we are out,” he said.”It’s a good feeling that the games will be played in Dandora. Kariobangi Sharks originating from Kariobangi, an area in Embakasi North means the team is playing good football,” he added.The match will start at noon.Kempes commends Talanta Hela initiativeLeopards vs. Compel FCIn the second game of the day, 10-time winners Leopards will host FKF Division One side Compel FC in what is expected to be an entertaining game in the first-ever meeting between the two teams.Ingwe, who last won the Cup in 2017, qualified for the quarterfinals after beating Shabana FC 1-0 in the round of 16, while Compel beat National Super League side Mara Sugar 2-0 in their round of 16 clash.Leopards coach Tomas Trucha wants to see his side bounce back from last weekend’s Mashemeji Derby loss to Gor Mahia by securing a semifinal ticket.”It’s not just about winning the cup, but also about earning a spot in the Caf Confederation Cup, so we need to learn from the Mashemeji derby. The players understand that we had an opportunity to win. I told them football is like that, sometimes you miss out, but there’s still another chance in the big picture. We’ll fight for it,” he stated.Compel coach George Mutimba, a former Nzoia Sugar striker, admits that they are underdogs but wants his team to take their chances.”Leopards are above us in almost everything… It won’t be a walk in the park, but I urge my players to be firm and capitalize on each chance they manage to create.”The match will start at 3 PM.Eyes on title as Chipu face Zimbabwe in Barthes Cup decider
