by James Waindi and Robin Toskin

Red Berets coach Caleb Okuku has laughed off Sofapaka’s persistent declaration that they will lift the Premiership trophy tomorrow.

Sofapaka, who require a single point from two matches to win the league, meet Red Berets in a crucial match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

And Berets have vowed to run the bayonet through Sofapaka’s dreams of a maiden title at the first time of asking.

Although the paramilitary men are struggling to stay afloat in the premier league, they are ready offer a fatal kick against history chasing Sofapaka. And, they are aware of Sofapaka’s poor away form which coach Okuku believes will postpone Robert Matano’s title party.

"They (Sofapaka) should not think of lifting the trophy in Nakuru. May be they should wait until their final match against KCB," Okuku warned.

"We shall break their hearts and shelve their planned celebrations," he said.

Sofapaka are aiming to cap a memorable season, which also saw them seal a historic Sh12 million-a year deal for three years with East Africa Portland Cement, the Blue Triangle cement manufacturers, with the KPL trophy.

The club, owned by Congolese businessman Elly Kalekwa was a heartbeat away from winning the KPL title last weekend in their 0-0 draw with Western Stima until a last gasp Mathare United goal at Ulinzi Stars halted the uncorking of champagne.

Matano set the stage for a cracking encounter tomorrow at Afraha, Nakuru by declaring after the Stima draw: "The trophy is ours. We have done enough to win it. Forget about the criticism that we don’t play well away. Wait until we are in Nakuru."

Sofapaka urged KPL to take the trophy to Nakuru and their wish has been granted.

Berets lost 2-1 to AFC Leopards at the City Stadium last weekend to leave them teetering on the brink of relegation and the latter enhanced their survival chances.

But Berets are a different kettle of fish at their backyard and with all their players available, Sofapaka have a battle in their hands.

Sofapaka will miss Robson Dondo and Jacob Keli through suspension.

"I know everyone is expecting Sofapaka to beat us and lift the trophy, but they are very mistaken because we clearly know the value of the match. We can’t afford to draw, leave alone to lose" Berets coach Okuku told FeverPitch during training in Limuru on Thursday.

With the last two teams expected to face the chop, Berets are third from bottom with 27 points , only a single point ahead of Bandari and four ahead of bottom placed Agro Chemical.

"If Bandari beat Sher Karuturi on Saturday in Mombasa and we lose, the pressure will be on us in the final match, so we can’t afford any slip-up against Sofapaka," said Okuku.

If Berets beat Sofapaka, the law enforcers would lessen relegation worries and especially if rivals AFC Leopards lose to Sony Sugar the same day and Karuturi pip Bandari in Mombasa.

All the four relegation-threatened teams have shown real stomach for a fight and are literally going down with their guns blazing, making this season one of the most entertaining in recent years.

Even tail-enders Agro Chemicals who have 23 points still stand an outside chance, since if the win their remaining two fixtures all at home against Chemelil Sugar and AFC Leopards, the Muhoroni team could leap frog Red Berets in 15th position with a total of 29 points.