FKFPL Preview: High-flying Nzoia host leaders Tusker, 'Sirkal' derby looms as wounded Leopards seek to claw title-hunting KCB

A preview of FKF-PL Round 26 matches.

High-flying Nzoia Sugar host leaders Tusker, Silkal clash looms as wounded Leopards seek to claw title hunting Bankers

After 25 game weeks of the 2022/23 season, the positions currently occupied by all the current FKF Premier League sides have sparked debate amongst fans and pundits. It is easy to see why, given four teams stand a realistic chance of challenging for the title, while relegation looms for other sides.

Pulse Sports brings you a preview of the upcoming round of fixtures for match week 26 this weekend:

Saturday fixtures

Nzoia Sugar vs Tusker(Sudi Stadium 3PM)

Arguably the most decisive clash of the weekend, Salim Babu’s high-flying Nzoia Sugar will host Robert Matano’s Tusker FC at the Sudi Stadium on Saturday, hoping to close the gap on the current league leaders, who are on a streak of 11 successive games without defeat.

Nzoia have lost none of their 10 league games at home this season. Similarly, Matano’s charges have lost just three away ties this campaign, their last defeat coming against Gor Mahia on February 8.

Tusker will be hoping to keep their prolific nature of scoring goals from different parts of the pitch running, considering they have been affected by injuries with the likes of David Majak, Deogracious Ojok and Ibrahim Joshua still out.

Nzoia will count on the hot form of midfielder John Macharia, who scored his 11th goal of the season in their 3-0 win over Mathare United.

Police vs Gor Mahia( Kasarani Stadium 3PM)

Title chasers, Gor Mahia will play against Kenya Police at the Kasarani Stadium on Saturday in the much -anticipated 'Sirkal' derby, hoping that a win over the law enforcers will put them back at the top table at the expense of Tusker.

Gor Mahia will certainly count on Benson Omala to build on from his hot goalscoring streak of 24 goals from 25 matches. They also possess another goalscoring threat in new signing, Patrick Kaddu and it remains to be seen whether Jonathan McKinstry will try to play them together to try and counter Francis Baraza’s recent tactical tweak that has seen him opt for a back three.

Baraza has plenty of options to chose from his squad of seasoned international players to give 'Sirkal' problems. Over the last two games, he has opted to start new signing Derrick Otanga over the league’s second highest scorer, Elvis Rupia. His back three formation has seen David 'Cheche' Ochieng, Harun Shakava and Musa Mohammed play together and having given Tusker problems, Gor's work is cut out.

Kariobangi Sharks vs City Stars (Kasarani Annex 1PM)

Kariobangi Sharks, 10th on the table' will face Nairobi City Stars hoping to end their run of 3 consecutive games without a win. City Stars will be heading into the match full of confidence following a resounding 5-2 win over Vihiga Bullets.

Sharks are the division’s most prolific team, scoring 40 goals, but have been porous at the other end, conceding 37. However, William Muluyha will be hoping his side can rediscover their goalscoring touch.

They will, however, be wary of City Stars who come to the fixture, with attackers like Kevin Etemesi on form after scoring two goals in their previous fixture.

Nicholas Muyoti has challenged his team not to be scared of the challenge ahead, having said he is confident his team can bravely fight against relegation.

His young side have started acclamatising at this level, and the experience of pros like Anthony 'Muki' Kimani and Ezekiel Odera is certainly helping them. Odera has become kind of an impact sub in the last two games, scoring twice and assisting once off the bench.

Wazito FC vs Ulinzi Stars (Muhoroni Stadium 3PM)

Wazito face Bernard Mwalala’s Ulinzi Stars at home hoping to end their bad run of 20 league games without a win.

In their 2-0 loss to Tusker FC earlier this week, they pulled off a particularly inspiring second-half performance, with substitute goalkeeper Tom Muthomi is fine form.

Ulinzi are travelling to Muhoroni hoping to carry on their momentum from their 1-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks at the Ulinzi complex last week.

A win for Wazito will certainly inject confidence into their veins and add to their 13 points for the season. Ulinzi Stars will have a chance to jump further up the table into seventh if they get one over Charles Odera’s side.

Bandari vs Talanta (Mbaraki Stadium 3PM)

Anthony 'Modo” Kimani’s Bandari will host Ken Kenyatta’s FC Talanta this weekend, hoping to close the gap on the league’s top four sides.

Bandari went back to winning ways with victory over Bidco United last weekend after falling short against Gor Mahia a fortnight ago, in a match McKinstry’s side forced them into playing long balls with their cautious approach.

They will be facing a Talanta side that are have struggled to score goals this season. On top of that, they have struggled to win a solitary match since March 15.

Kenyatta’s side proved against AFC Leopards and Sofapaka that they are disciplined without the ball, managing to force both side’s attacks into draws.

Kimani will have to rally his charges to find a way to create inroads past such a stubborn defence.

Mathare United vs Posta Rangers (Ruaraka Grounds 3PM)

John Kamau’s Posta Rangers will play against Boniface Omondi’s Mathare United,twocarrying confidence after rallying from 2 goals down to draw 2-2 against Gor Mahia last Sunday.

He will certainly hope that his side improve at defending set pieces after falling victim to two goals conceded from such situations this season.

However, they will be facing the Slum Boys who are on the back of three straight losses, albeit against tough opponents, Nzoia Sugar and Tusker in their last two fixtures.

Mathare have proven their capabilities at pulling off surprise results against the likes of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards this season, and will be hoping to make it eight wins for the season if they can get one over Posta.

Vihiga Bullets vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Bukhungu Stadium 3PM)

New Vihiga Bullets head coach Louis Kizito will have to motivate his troops into putting the disappointment of losing 4-0 to Wazito behind them when his side face Kakamega Homeboyz this Saturday.

Homeboyz were awarded three points from the abandoned match against AFC Leopards last Sunday following fan unrest caused by the Ingwe faithful.

Bullets have gone through teething problems this season, being forced to change coaches three times and struggling to sustain themselves financially, forcing them to forfeit some matches. They have collected just eight points from two wins and as many draws in 25 games.

They have been making mistakes defensively that previous coach, Milton Kidiga described as “silly” and will have to cut them out if they are to stand a chance against Homeboyz, who are unbeaten in six of their 10 league matches under new coach, Patrick Odhiambo.

Sofapaka vs Bidco United (Kasarani Annex 3:15PM)

Sofapaka will play Bidco United in another relegation six-pointer, with whoever wins standing a realistic chance of securing their safety away from the relegation places.

Sofapaka have won only one of their last five games and currently occupy 28 points from 24 matches. Bidco United have amassed 24 points after 25 games and have drawn once and lost four of their last five fixtures.

The match will also be a great opportunity for both teams to end their poor run of form.

Sunday 23rd April 2023

AFC Leopards vs KCB (Kasarani Stadium 3:00 PM)

AFC Leopards head into the match against KCB fresh from being docked three points after their fans acted inappropriately during their 'Ingo' derby against Kakamega Homeboyz last Sunday.

Patrick Aussems' side currently boast a very strong defensive record, with Lewis Opiyo’s league leading 11 cleansheets reflecting that, but have struggled to score for goals, while also being affected by absentees either through injuries or suspension.

They will face a KCB side that have won three of their last five league matches and are fourth after 25 league matches under Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno.

A win for Leopards will at least, reduce the impact caused by the fact they were docked thre points, as well as being forced to play four games behind closed doors while victory for KCB will see them close the gap on league leaders Tusker.