Title race intensifies as KPL resumes with seven matches
Football
By
Rodgers Eshitemi
| Jan 25, 2020
Kenyan Premier League resumes today with seven matches as the battles at the top and the relegation zone intensify after a week's break that paved way for the start of the 2020 FKF Betway Cup knockout tournament.
Leaders Tusker (37 points), Kakamega Homeboyz (36), champions Gor Mahia (35) and Ulinzi Stars (34) will all be in action this weekend as they seek to capitalise on their respective matches.
Fresh from inflicting the second loss of the season on champions Gor, Homeboyz will be aiming to extend their unbeaten record to eight matches and leapfrog Tusker at the summit with an away victory over unpredictable Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Stadium at 2pm.
The brewers welcome Ulinzi Stars at Ruaraka tomorrow in what is expected to be the highlight of the weekend as seventh-placed AFC Leopards make a trip to relegation-threatened Kisumu All Stars today.
Gor Mahia, trailing Robert Matano’s men with two points but with two games in hand, also have a chance to go back at the top of the table with a win against struggling domestic cup holders Bandari in Nakuru today.
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But it will not be a walk in the park for K’Ogalo as veteran coach Twahir Muhiddin will be looking for a positive start on his return to the dugout since replacing Bernard Mwalala last week.
And with the mood in the camp, Muhiddin, who previously coached national team Harambee Stars, AFC Leopards and defunct Oserian Fastac, is strongly convinced that it will be a difficult game at Afraha Stadium.
“Of course Gor Mahia are not new to me as a coach but having lost some of their key players especially in the striking, we hope to make it difficult for them,” Muhiddin said.
“We are well prepared and with the mood and the changes I have tried to bring in the team, expect a very tough but balanced-game on Saturday (today).”
Muhiddin added: “Remember, this team has twice finished runners up in the league and have done well in the Caf Confederation Cup, so it is just up to the players to raise up their game and start grinding out results.”
Elsewhere, fifth placed KCB (32) and Western Stima (30) will be looking to put pressure on the top four when the two sides collide in Machakos at 4.15pm today. The match will be preceded by an early kick off encounter between moneybags Wazito and Posta Rangers at the same venue.