Battle for premier league begins today

Kisumu All-Stars celebrate their victory against Thika United FC during the National Super League last match of 2019 season at Thika Stadium on Sunday June 9, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Talanta seeks a perfect start against newbies Vihiga Bullets when the 2019-20 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National Super League gets underway today in different venues with ten matches on the cards.

The 20-team league welcomes APS Bomet, Muranga Seal and Vihiga Bullets from Division One League and Mount Kenya United as well as Vihiga United from the top tier Kenyan Premier League.

Talanta head coach Abdallah Juma yesterday said they have high expectations given that they signed up young players who would steer the team to glory.

Juma said they have had a good preseason and believes a win against the promoted Vihiga Bullets will set a good pace for them with over 38 matches in the league.

“Last season, we had a good start to the super league but fell short mid way. We were not getting good results which denied us a chance in the fight for promotion,” he said.

“However, we have had good preparations over the break and I believe the squad is ready to fight for a place in top three. Our aim is to finish among the two automatic qualification spots.”

Talanta beefed up their squad with five new young players in what Juma believes will boost the team’s chances.

They signed 18-year-old Erick Otieno (Kenya Academy of Sports), Telvin Maina, Michael Jairo and Felix Ouma, both aged 17 from Kariobangi Sharks Youth, alongside 24-year-old Anthony Oginga from Nairobi Stima.

Ushuru will take on Joseph’s Youth at Ruaraka where new coach James Omondi targets a perfect start.

“We are ready for the league. The team is fired up and set for another season where we are aiming at getting positive results,” he said.

Former Kenya Premier League outfit Nairobi City Stars welcomes Shabana at Hope Centre with the and focus will be on the four new signings.

Anthony Muki Kimani (Bandari), Nahashon Thiongo (Mt Kenya), Wesley Onguso (Posta) and Salim Shittu Abdallah (AFC Leopards) are expected to help Nairobi team get back to premier league.

Paul Ogai, formerly of Western Stima, will be in charge of Coast Stima for the first time as he seeks to repeat the same feat he did with Stima in 2017 by starting with a home match against Fortune Sacco at Mbaraki Sports Club.