Will Tusker win the FKF Premier League title for the fourth time on the final day of the season?
Having witnessed some iconic twists and turns along the way, there is a lot at stake as the 2022/23 season comes to an end tomorrow.
While leaders Gor Mahia (67) will be seeking to bag a record 20th Premier League title, second-placed Tusker (66) are out to win the trophy for keep following the back to back victories in 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns.
With only one point separating the two teams, there is definitely no room for error heading into the last round of the season.
But as they take on relegated Vihiga United at Mumias Sports Complex tomorrow, the brewers who are chasing a double, will be hoping for a favour from Nairobi City Stars against K'Ogalo at Kasarani Stadium.
Though Johnathan McKinstry's boys fell short on Wednesday after losing 3-2 to Kakamega Homeboyz in Nairobi, destiny is still in their own hands as they just need maximum points to reclaim the title they lost to their new-found rivals, Tusker, in 2021.
However, history favours Tusker as they have managed to lift the title on three different occasions on the final day of the season.
In 2012, the brewers thrashed City Stars 3-0 at Hope Centre, Kawangware to dramatically snatch the title from front-runners Gor, who were held to a 1-1 draw by defunct Thika United at City Stadium.
It was the same scenario in the 2020/21 season when they fried Bidco United 2-1 on the last day of the competition despite, second-placed, KCB's 3-0 win over City Stars.
Then come 2021/22 season, the Ruaraka-based side beat Kakamega Homeboyz to the title on goal difference after a 2-0 victory as Homeboyz were awarded a walkover after Kariobangi Sharks failed to honour the match.
And having been in-charge of the team in all the three occasions, Tusker coach Robert Matano believes history can repeat itself and help the team win their 14th league title.
Matano has so far lifted four Premier League titles including the 2009 gong with Sofapaka on their league debut.
"Our mind is on the trophy. Everything is squarely on the boys; they have a chance of writing history for themselves by winning it for keeps and also on the final day," Matano told Standard Sports.
"They (players) put themselves into this situation, so it is up to them to prove their worthiness now. Their mental strength and character will play a key role in this match. Anything is possible, so we are not focusing on our rivals but ourselves."
After tomorrow's hurdle, Tusker will once again be seeking to replicate their 2016 double feat when they battle with Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Cup final on July 1.
"We are motivated to win both trophies because that's our target this season. What will be the reason for us to reach the final if we don't want to be champions?" asked Matano.
But for Gor Mahia boss Johnathan McKinstry, FKF-PL title destiny is purely still in their own hands.
The Irishman has labelled tomorrow's fixture against their bogey team City Stars as a 'Cup' final.
"We were a little bit off against Homeboyz, the passing wasn't quite snappy enough, and it's quite important we get that right on Sunday against City Stars because the league is still in our hands," said McKinstry.
"We know if we pick up the three points on Sunday, we will be champions and so, it's a Cup final on Sunday. The idea is, you win and you get it, and if you don't win chances are you will not have it. So, it's very clear."
And even as the two rivals continue praying for lady luck to come on their way, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has already planned to have two trophies on standby both at Kasarani Stadium and Mumias Sports Complex.
"We already have two trophies on standby in Nairobi and Mumias. FKF teams will be at both venues, and depending on the outcome tomorrow, a presentation will be made where the winners will be declared," said FKF PL manager Mike Kamure.
But it is not yet clear if there will be a cash reward for the champions tomorrow after FKF president Nick Mwendwa disclosed to Standard Sports in an earlier interview that there will be no prize money.
