Impressive Bandari, with league top scorer Dan Sserunkuma, are away to Chemelil Sugar, free scoring Sofapaka welcome Kakamega Homeboyz at Camp Toyoyo as the big one of the weekend sees giants Gor Mahia locking horns with Tusker at Afraha.

FRIDAY:

Chemelil Sugar vs Bandari (Chemelil Sports Complex)

Bandari are eying the top spot on the league table and a win could see them nestle there.

The dockers are in high-scoring mode having posted eight goals from five games so far – three of them from former league MVP Dan Sserunkuma, and Chemelil will need to be on red alert at home.

Chemelil got the best of Bandari last season, collecting four points from them in 1-1 and 1-0 results.

SATURDAY:

Muhoroni Youth vs Sony Sugar (Muhoroni Stadium)

At second last in the SPL table with only four points from five games, Muhoroni Youth are obviously suffering from the mass exodus of players that hit them at the end of the 2016 season.

Muhoroni coach James Omondi knows his job is on the line and he must urgently deliver or face the highway, perhaps.

In the last six matches between the two teams, only one has not ended even, a 1-0 Muhoroni victory last year.

Nakumatt vs Western Stima (Kenyatta Stadium)

Stima are enduring a tough start to the season with just one win in five outings.

They, however, collected a morale boosting 1-1 draw against Ulinzi Stars away on Wednesday, a match that coach Henry Omino brought Evans Kiwanuka, Moses Arita and Brian Marita into the starting lineup and relegated Kennedy Otieno, Victor Ochieng’ and Ezekiel Ochieng’ to the bench.

Newcomers Nakumatt have not won against any top league side this year.

Boniface Akenga made his debut for the retail market traders last weekend against Sharks, and is likely to be given a starting role in this match.

Sofapaka vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Camp Toyoyo)

Sofapaka are flying high and it will take a very dedicated performance for Kakamega Homeboyz to take them down.

The 2009 champions have lost only once so far, and could go top of the table if they clinch three points from Homeboyz.

Evergreen striker Wycliffe Ochomo of Homeboyz will meet productive midfielder Moses Odhiambo of Sofapaka, as the two lead their team’s attack in this match.

The two have met only four times in the history of the SPL. Last year, Homeboyz collected four points from Batoto ba Mungu following a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 win in their two games. In 2013, Sofapaka drew 0-0 with Homeboyz in the first leg before beating them1-0 in their next game.

Nzoia United vs Zoo Kericho (Sudi Stadium)

A sixth consecutive defeat beckons for league debutants Zoo Kericho who are the only league team yet to record victory this year.

Nzoia bounced back from a two-match losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz last weekend, and will want to extend their winning ways.

Rookie goalkeeper Mustapha Oduor is likely to be retained between the sticks for Nzoia Sugar after he impressed in his first starting role against Homeboyz last weekend.

Posta Rangers vs Kariobangi Sharks (Afraha Stadium)

Alongside Ulinzi Stars, Posta Rangers are the only other SPL team unbeaten this season. Will Kariobangi Sharks broke that record?

Well, it looks an unlikely suggestion, but Sharks have improved tremendously in recent times, flooring Nzoia Sugar and Nakumatt in their last two games.

The two were rivals in the National Super League not too long ago, but this is the first time they will be meeting in top flight.

Sharks’ forward Cavin Odongo made a splendid show against Malawi while with the national team on Tuesday, and will be keen to produce another top drawer show against his former employers for obvious reasons.

Gor Mahia vs Tusker (Afraha Stadium)

This will be the second time the two teams are meeting after the Kenyan Super Cup clash that Gor Mahia won 1-0.

Tusker captain James Situma returns from a one-match suspension.

Gor will also be at full strength now that Rwandan JeanBaptiste Mugiraneza is back to full fitness.

Gor’s fitness trainer Sandro Fantoni has been suspended for unsporting conduct.

In their Premiership meetings last year, Tusker beat K’Ogalo by identical 1-0 scores.

SUNDAY:

Thika United vs AFC Leopards (Thika Stadium)

Striker Paul Kiongera has attended full training with AFC Leopards and looks to have successfully shaken off the ankle injury that kept him from Ingwe’s last two games.

A win, which looks highly possible considering Thika’s run so far, could propel Ingwe back to the top of the table.

Robinson Kamura has just returned to the team from national team action against Malawi on Tuesday, and expected to be in the heart of the Ingwe defense.

Midfielder Joel Tata received a red card in Thika’s previous game against Bandari, and is therefore suspended for this match.

Ulinzi Stars vs Mathare United (Afraha Stadium)

It will be interesting to watch whether Mathare will be able to wreck Ulinzi’s five-match unbeaten record.

The thought is valid. Mathare won 2-0 and 1-0 in both legs of this fixture last season.

Mathare, though, have not won in four straight games.

The will also be without their coach Francis Kimanzi who has been handed a six-match touchline ban.

The clash has the hallmarks of a classic and fans should be in for some sumptuous football treat in Nakuru.