KPL: Power is slowly shifting in local league after 13 rounds of matches

GOR MAHIA VS THIKA UNITED- NYAYO NATIONAL STADIUM GOR Mahia Francis Kahata(L) hold Said Tsuma of Thika United as they battle for ball possession during their KPL match at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 21/05/17.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Newcomers settle fast while old boys drop guard in league battle.

As the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) takes a three-week break, there is no doubt that a significant power shift is being experienced.

All the four newcomers are enjoying great form, while teams that previously did well are stuck at the bottom of the standings. Given the current state of affairs, things could get worse for some.

Kariobangi Sharks are fifth on the log with 21 points and have had the most surprising performance so far.

When the side was promoted to the top tier league, few gave the team, which is associated with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa, a chance. Indeed, they began badly, losing four of their opening matches.

But from mid April, the team has stabilised and is enjoying a six match unbeaten run, which includes picking maximum points against experienced sides like Mathare United and Bandari.

The team also drew 0-0 against former KPL champions Sofapaka, signifying their maturity and ability to compete with the more experienced sides.

Nakumatt, another newcomer this season, are also posting impressive results. The team sits pretty in seventh place on the KPL log with 19 points.

Nakumatt recruited experienced players in the pre-season, including former AFC Leopards striker Kepha Aswani.

Nzoia United, who are 10th, shocked everyone when they thrashed KPL champions Tusker 5-2 in the season opener. Though the team has been inconsistent since then, picking 17 points at this point in the season is still an impressive performance for a team that was promoted this year.

Zoo Kericho, the fourth promoted side, are just above the relegation zone after making a major turn-around from a bad start and should cause problems when the league resumes.

The same cannot be said of Thika United, Muhoroni Youth, Western Stima and Mathare United, who are all stuck in the relegation zone, their league experience notwithstanding.

According to former international defender, Musa Otieno, the power shift has been caused by highly educated coaches, who continue to manage the local teams.

"We have young coaches who understand the game better," he said.