Gor still team to beat as new season starts: League preview Waruru expected to carry Sofapaka to KPL glory

But with all their rivals having strengthened in the transfer window and CAF Champions League fixture schedule in the offing, Gor should be prepared for a tough season.

Kerr has made a few acquisitions led by Humphrey Mieno and Charles Momanyi.

Player (s) to watch: Meddie Kagere/Jacques Tuyisenge - K’Ogalo fans will be hoping the experienced duo, who scored a combined 27 goals last year, continue with their imperious form this season.

Sofapaka

Going by their off season businesses, Sofapaka should be considered one of the major contenders to win this year’s Kenyan Premier League title.

Striking duo of Stephen Waruru (Ulinzi Stars) and Kepha Aswani (Nakumatt) are among the players recently recruited by the 2009 KPL champions.

Having finished second last year and with the quality of the players in the team, there is a lot of optimism around the club.

Player to watch: Stephen Waruru - He has a point to prove at Sofapaka after his controversial move from Ulinzi Stars. But having already proven himself to be a consistent goalscorer, Waruru has everything to succeed at Batoto Ba Mungu.

AFC Leopards

After helping AFC Leopards win GOTv Shield and pushING them to a top eight finish last year in less than six months since rejoining the club, Robert Matano seems to be slowly, but surely trying to restore the glory years in the den.

Nobody expected him to come in mid-season and change things around. However, he revitalized the team and imposed stability that has been in disarray.

Without doubt Matano has re-instilled confidence and rebuilt the team as they look to challenge the top four.

Player to watch: Collins Okoth - The combative midfielder was once a huge prospect in KPL before he was booted out by AFC Leopards’ rivals Gor Mahia. He now has a chance to revive his career after being out of the game for a while.

Posta Rangers

Having boasted one of the best defences last season, many expect Posta Rangers to be in contention for the 2018 title.

Rangers made a flying start to the 2017 season, assuming the league’s leadership after going 11 games unbeaten, before losing to Ulinzi Stars and eventually surrendering the top spot to Gor Mahia.

With the arrival of Jeremiah Wanjala, Peter Opiyo, Danson Kago and Mercilas Ingotsi, after the exit of only five players, Sammy Omollo possess a formidable squad.

Player to watch: Peter Opiyo-He has joined Rangers after a short stint in Qatar. He is arguably one of the best midfielders of his generation.

Kakamega Homeboyz

Kakamega Homeboyz is one of the best placed teams to finish in the top if their new signings is anything to go by.

Homeboyz was one of the most active clubs in the recently concluded transfer window where they roped in 17 players and released 14.

Player to watch: Moses Mudavadi: The enterprising winger demonstrated tremendous maturity last year creating a number of goals. He is expected to complement with new signings Allan Wanga and Noah Wafula up front.

Likely relegation candidates

Wazito

Wazito are embarking on their first ever KPL campaign. Although, they have plenty of experienced players in their squad, there may be a steep learning curve for the debutantes. They have to muster every possible resource within their disposal if they are to stand a chance of retaining their status in the topflight football.

Thika United

Thika United survived the drop by a whisker last season after beating National Super League side Ushuru in the promotion/relegation playoff.

But with a number of new faces in the team, Nicholas Muyoti and his players need to ensure that they do not spend a better part of their season in a relegation dog fight again.

Though the milkmen will be eyeing for an improved season, it will not be a walk in the park.

Nakumatt

After surviving relegation last year, Nakumatt face another Herculean task in bid to retain their topflight football status as the new season starts. The shoppers lost almost the entire team after the 2017 season.

They signed 17 new players and released 18 including key players like captain Peter Nzuki and Kepha Aswani. 

Chemelil Sugar

Chemelil will have a slightly new look squad this season following the departure of a chunk of their established players.

It will not be an easy task for new coach Patrick Odhiambo, who replaced Abdallah Juma in December2017.

The millers, who finished 14th last season have signed 16 players and dropped 15 including long serving defender Smith Ouko.