By Robin Toskin

Sony Sugar coach Francis Baraza has demanded respect for his side after seeing his youngsters end Thika United’s unbeaten run on Sunday.

Baraza termed as "the height of arrogance" Thika United’s insistence that the match that had been washed away by heavy rains the previous day be replayed less than 24hours later.

"The boys responded with a perfect answer and what it means is we need some measure of respect. And the best is still to come," Baraza said.

But even as Baraza is raging, Thika United coach Juma Abdallah is seething with anger and has demanded an immediate response from his charges when they meet Mathare United this weekend.

Sources at Thika told FeverPitch, three key players— Stephen Waruru, Russel Kibet and Crispin Olando left the team camp after the first match was abandoned on Saturday to prepare for military recruitment and were greatly missed during the replay.

"We must return to the top of the table. We want to forget the cirmcunstances that led to that defeat," Abdallah said.

Sony have endured an indifferent start to the season, suffering shock defeats at Sher Karuturi, KCB and Nairobi City Stars, but have now claimed victories over Mathare United and Thika United.

Thika United’s loss meant stylish Sofapaka took a point lead at the summit of Kenyan Premier League, thanks to a last gasp win over Gor Mahia on Saturday.

In what could be the strongest hint of how competitive and difficult KPL season could be, three home sides— Mathare United, KCB and Agro all lost in front of home fans.

Champions Mathare United were on the receiving end of a gutsy Chemelil Sugar at Kasarani where they lost 3-2 Wycliffe Opondo was the hero for the millers with a double.

Western Stima’s goalkeeper David Juma stole the show when he served up comic relief to die hard fans at Coca Cola Stadium with a Pepe Reina-isque punt that flew into the back of KCB’s net.

Although the bankers had clawed their way back to level scores, a rush challenge by goalkeeper Daniel Oluoch on Hezbon Nyabinge allowed Mark Sirengo to seal his brace and three points for Fred Serenge’s men.

Tusker got a taste of Nairobi City Stars’ boy wonder David Gateri in their 1-1 draw at Kasarani on Saturday. Gateri got his second goal in two matches when he hauled Oliver Page’s side level five minutes after Joseph Emeka had put Tusker in front.

Gateri’s form had seen him torment Red Berets a fortnight ago in their 3-0 triumph at Coca Cola Stadium, scoring one goal and another via a huge deflection off Edward Munjalo. Berets, however, recovered to thump Bandari 2-0 on Saturday as AFC Leopards held on a goalless draw at Sher.