FKFPL preview: Wounded Police host struggling Leopards, Shabana eye first win as Tusker seek to return to winning ways

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FKFPL preview: Wounded Police host struggling Leopards, Shabana eye first win as Tusker seek to return to winning ways

Mark Kinyanjui 07:20 - 23.09.2023

AFC Leopards and Kenya Police have both had underwhelming starts to the league season, but each could change their fortunes when they face each other on Saturday afternoon.

Spendthrifts Kenya Police will be hosting AFC Leopards in their fourth league game of the season at the Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi with both sides seeking their first win of the season to ease the pressure of their underwhelming league starts off their shoulders on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides have drawn two and lost one of their opening three fixtures, which has left fans frustrated especially considering the fact that both sides boosted their squads with better quality in the transfer market.

The Law Enforcers boosted their creative department by signing Kenneth Muguna and Tyson Otieno, and also strengthened their defense and attack.

 Ingwe signed 17 new players to boost their squad depth after having to endure three consecutive transfer windows without being able to sign anyone.

In their opening match of the season, they were held to a 0-0 draw by FC Talanta, who were down to ten men for much of the second half. They struggled to create chances from open play, which left them with plenty to ponder.

In their second match, they were shocked 1-0 by KCB in a match where they created a couple of chances in the first half but not many in the second half. 

Against Muhoroni Youth in their third match, they were lucky to escape with a point after the Charles Odera-coached outfit took the game to them in the first half.

Angry fans called for Tom Juma to be sacked at full time, but the club’s National Executive Commitee issued a statement earlier this week claiming they had full faith in the former Harambee Stars player.He will however need a win to ease the pressure on himself.

Francis Baraza’s charges have simply not got going yet. They were held to an underwhelming draw by Kariobangi Sharks in their opening game, before being walloped 3-0 by Posta Rangers in their second league match of the season.

They then had to scrap a late equalizer against Shabana last weekend. The club’s faithful were expecting him to build on from his impressive stewardship as the club rallied to a best-ever finish of third place, six points behind eventual league winners Gor Mahia. 

Expect an intriguing fixture with plenty at stake. At the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Shabana will be hosting Kariobangi Sharks hoping to get their first top flight win since 2006. 

Shabana lost their first league game back in the topflight against Murang’a Seal, before drawing Talanta and Police in their second and third game respectively.

The Gusii-based outfit will be up against it a they face a Sharks side that are flowing with confidence inspired by the youthful vibrance of Stanley Wilson in the middle of the park. Wilson has been the heartbeat of everything good about Sharks this season, as they have won one and drawn two of their three fixtures.

At the Ruaraka Grounds, Tusker will be seeking to get back to winning ways against Muhoroni Youth after losing 2-1 to Kakamega Homeboyz last weekend.

The 12-time league champions won their opening game of the season against Bandari, but drew 1-1 against Kariobangi Sharks and then lost 2-1 to Kakamega Homeboyz in their third match of the league season.

Muhoroni Youth have been very resolute, drawing each of their first league games of the season and conceding just once.

Robert Matano’s charges will have their work cut out to get goals against Muhoroni, but have been boosted by the return to full fitness of Daniel Sakari at right back.

All games will kick off at 3:00 PM unless otherwise stated,