BY KEN ANDREW
kenakikenyi@gmail.com
Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of facebook.com
The Daystar University sports department and football enthusiasts will on Sunday June 13 be treated to the biggest game of the season so far. The Daystar Falcons (The team based in Athi River) will play hosts to Daystar City (the team based in Valley Road) in the Daystar Derby. The match is a Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) League match and will be played at Mount Kenya University in Thika- a neutral Venue.
The Daystar derby is just like any other derby worldwide; it is a feisty clash with both teams eager to keep their pride intact and get bragging rights by beating their closest friends- who are also their fiercest rivals. The fact that the match will be played at a neutral venue takes a little bit of spice off it but expect a proper and intense showing by both teams.
This will be the first KUSA League Daystar derby since early 2019. The last meeting was a friendly at the Bethel Grounds in Athi River with the Falcons getting a slim 2-1 victory. On Sunday, both teams will be under pressure to secure the three points as the league is beginning to pick up.
Daystar City will be looking to capitalize on the fact that they have only played two games, drawing one and losing the other. They have a double header this weekend facing the table toppers Kenyatta University Main Campus on Saturday before engaging the Derby on Sunday. The Falcons, on the other hand, have played four games, drawing two and losing two.
“I’m excited about the derby because it’s obvious, as has always been, that the Falcons will take it home. We’re prepared to do what we always do so Daystar City should just concede while they can,” said Millicent Tipatet, the Falcon’s team manager.
The Falcons were boosted by the arrival of new players who were impressive in their debuts. Amongst them is Emmanuel Loreng’-who mostly goes by the name “Lorenzo”- who switched allegiances by leaving City for Falcons. He will be a key player alongside captain Barack and Gian. For Daystar City, new arrival Joss Chindia will be looking to make his league debut with regular Nathan Hanif keen to increase his goal tally for the team.
When questioned about the derby, Daystar Falcons captain Barack said that both teams will be out to stop the other. He added that derby games have a special place in the hearts of fans and that it will be their chance to witness what the players have to offer. He reiterated, from a management point of view, that everything had been done to facilitate both teams. The views from many in the City camp is that they have been neglected with their equipment and kits being old and few. They have been unable to secure new ones for a very long time.
Daystar City’s assistant captain Victor Gakuru said that he expects a tough outing in a rivalry that has stood for a longtime. The Nairobi Campus Secretary Brian ‘Zaza’ Achoka is expecting competitiveness in the fixture and added that a win will be important for Daystar City.
His counterpart, Walter Nalwa, from Athi River says that his team has trained adequately throughout the week with the players being fit and ready to secure the points. He is hopeful and confident that the Falcons will win.
With both teams out for the win, it is sure to be an enticing match.