Thirteen-time champions AFC Leopards will be looking to snap a two-match losing streak as impressive, unbeaten Posta Rangers zero in on three more points at home to newcomer Nakumatt. Growing in stature Kariobangi Sharks and Zoo Kericho will be hard pressed to maintain their fine runs while new table leaders Gor Mahia test dangerous Nzoia Sugar in Mumias.
SATURDAY
Chemelil Sugar vs Sofapaka (Chemelil Sports Complex)
Both teams are coming from defeats. Chemelil lost 2-0 to Gor Mahia on Wednesday while Sofapaka succumbed to a second successive loss against Ulinzi Stars on the same day.
Experienced Charles Okwemba is becoming increasingly influential for Sofapaka and could again feature prominently today.
Last season, Chemelil beat Sofapaka twice in this fixture with identical 2-1 score lines.
Kariobangi Sharks vs Bandari (Kenyatta Stadium)
Four games without defeat propelled Kariobangi Sharks to third place in the table before a loss on Wednesday dropped them to sixth place.
Bolton Omwenga is the Sharks man with a bite and Bandari will have to be wary of him.
Coach Paul Nkata has kept rotating Bandari’s starting squad in the last four game. He kept out star players Dan Sserukuma, Shaban Kenga and Enoch Agwanda in their last match. Expect another player rotation from him on Saturday.
It will be the first time that the two teams are meeting at this level.
Ulinzi Stars vs Muhoroni Youth (Afraha Stadium)
At this stage, if you talk of Ulinzi Stars you cannot fail to mention Stephen Waruru.
The lethal striker, who returned to football action this season after missing the entire 2016 on military duty, is currently on top of the scorers’ charts with six goals.
The two teams met five times last season, twice in the Premiership, twice in the Top 8 Knockout tournament and once in the GOtv Shield. Each side recorded a win with three draws.
Western Stima vs Mathare United (Moi Stadium)
Time are tough for both sides.
Stima are situated at the very bottom of the SPL table while Mathare have lost five of their last six games including a 5-1 hammering by Ulinzi.
Mathare goalkeeper Levis Opiyo, who has been erratic for the team so far, will be facing his previous employers in this match.
A 2-2 draw prevailed in the first leg match last season, before Stima beat Mathare 1-0 in the second leg match.
SUNDAY
AFC Leopards vs Zoo Kericho (Kenyatta Stadium)
AFC leopards are going through a rugged patch and have not won in their last four games.
This match, against league debutants Zoo Kericho, provides Ingwe with a good opportunity to get back on track.
Zoo’s 2-0 loss to Tusker three days ago ended their four-match unbeaten record.
Striker Mike Madoya has been sensational for Zoo so far, while at the other end Ghanaian Gilbert Fiamenyo will be leading the attack for Leopards.
Nzoia Sugar vs Gor Mahia (Mumias Sports Complex)
No doubt Gor Mahia will be eyeing revenge. It is Nzoia Sugar who knocked K’Ogalo out of the GOtv Shield with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Jacques Tuyisenge is still a doubt for this match due to the ankle injury he suffered last month, and so is Timothy Otieno who withdrew from last week’s clash against Chemelil Sugar injured.
Despite starting this season on a high, Nzoia have also blown cold.
Posta Rangers vs Nakumatt (Afraha Stadium)
These familiar foes, who played against each other in the National Super League last season, will be making their re-acquaintance at this top level.
Nakumatt’s well travelled striker Kepha Aswani is the second highest goal scorer in the SPL with four goals so far and will be relishing a strike against the form team of the moment.
Rangers coach Sammy Omollo admitted they are in tip top shape and will not doubt be looking for all three points against the SPL first timers.
Thika United vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Thika Stadium)
Former AFC Leopards tactician Nicholas Muyoti will take charge of Thika for this game following the promotion of former coach James Nandwa to the position of technical director.
Sammy Meja, who was suspended for the Thika game against Nakumatt last weekend, is eligible to play on Sunday and should feature.
Thika has won this fixture only once in four encounters, that was in March 2013. The other results were two losses and a draw.
Tusker vs Sony Sugar (Ruaraka Grounds)
Tusker’s utility Shaffiq Batambuze continues to be an important player for the resurgent brewers.
Big names Eugene Asike, Martin Kiiza and Anthony Ndolo have since fizzled out and are struggling to make George Nsimbe’s starting lineup.
Sony come into this game on the back of a 1-0 triumph over AFC Leopards.
Tusker picked four points from Sony in this fixture last season – 1-1 and 1-0 results.
