READY TO GO: Mixed expectations from coaches as KPL kick off beckons

Coach Mathare United FC Francis Kimanzi and assistant Coach Salim Ali Mathare United celebrate a goal against Tusker FC during Sportpesa Premier League at Kenyatta stadium in Machakos on thursday, April 28. 2016.[ PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO]

With the 2017 Kenyan Premier League season expected to kick off this weekend after one month delay, local coaches have expressed mixed expectations ahead of the new campaign.

As some coaches will be making their debuts in KPL after shifting allegiance, seasoned tacticians will be out to prove a point in what is expected to be a very competitive and exciting season.

With Gor Mahia’s Jose Marcelo Ze Maria, AFC Leopards’ Stewart Hall and Ulinzi Stars’ Benjamin Nyangweso going head to head with title holders Tusker, the brewers new coach George Nsimbe is in a for a tough season.

And as the 2017 season beckons, Hall has already set a target of top five finish for the new look Ingwe that finished 13th last year.

“It is going to be a very competitive season. All the teams have done good transfer businesses, but I believe Gor Mahia, Tusker, Ulinzi Stars and maybe Kariobangi Sharks will be teams to watch,” said Hall.

“We have the youngest squad in the league at the moment; seven of the players are between 17-18 years while the rest are 24-25 years. It is a new look squad which we are building for the future. With the talent we have, many people expect us to contest for the title, but I think we need to be patient with this team.

Unlike Hall, Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi was coy on the former champions’ targets as they prepare to host Thika United on Sunday.

“We will approach it just like any other season. We cannot measure the league’s competitiveness right now yet we haven’t played a single match. The prolonged league impasse actually made everything boring, so don’t expect the intensity to be the same,” said Kimanzi.