KPL action resumes: Mathare United host Ulinzi today

Posta Rangers’ Dennis Mukaisi and Mathare United’s Robinson Kamura in the first leg. KPL second leg starts today.[PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

After a busy mid-season transfer window, the Kenyan Premier League resumes this weekend with eight matches on the card.

Fans will be eager to have a glimpse of their clubs’ new acquisitions as the league enters round 16.

Francis Kimanzi’s Mathare United welcome Ulinzi Stars in what is expected to be an explosive match at the Nyayo National Stadium today at 4.15pm.

The Mathare (3rd) and Ulinzi (2nd) encounter, who are tied on points (27) but separated by goal difference, will be preceded by an early kick off match between Ushuru and Sony Sugar at the same venue.

But with both teams battling to dislodge Tusker from the top, Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi is braced for a difficult game.

“You don’t know what to expect in such a match after a long transfer window break. But the reality is, it is going to be a tough match for both teams,” Kimanzi told Feverpitch.

And with the June break transfer window shutting tonight, AFC Leopards have a new spring in their step and will be hoping to bounce back from their stuttering end to the first leg when they travel to Kisumu to face the unpredictable Chemelil Sugar at the Moi Stadium.

Much is expected of a new look Ingwe side after signing a raft of players including the Bandari duo of Bernard Mang’oli and Edwin Wafula, who have rejoined the club. Former Simba SC striker Paul Kiongera and goalkeeper Ian Otieno are among the players likely to make their league debut for AFC today.

However, Chemelil having been their bogey team, it will not be a walk in the park for Ivan Minnaert’s men.

The highlight of the weekend will be tomorrow when champions Gor Mahia play away to Thika United as table-toppers Tusker host Posta Rangers in Machakos.

Although Thika coach James Nandwa has full respect of the 15 time champions, he doesn’t fear them.

“Gor Mahia is a big team and that’s why we respect them, but we don’t fear them,” said Nandwa.