The SportPesa Premier League is back after a two-week hiatus as the country went through a General Election. Five fixtures, all on Saturday, are on the cards with Muhoroni Youth, Nakumatt and Gor Mahia playing catch up matches.
Chemelil Sugar vs Posta Rangers (Chemelil Sports Complex, 3pm)
The postmen’s strengths lie in the defense marshalled by veteran Joackins Atudo. They have conceded the lowest number of goals in the league this far, 11.
Gerald Obwoge will resume his position on the reserves bench as Dennis Mukaisi returns to the Rangers starting lineup after completing his one-match suspension.
The two teams settled for a 1-1 draw in their first leg meeting played on July 2.
Mathare United vs Zoo Kericho (Ruaraka Grounds, 3pm)
Mathare United won against Kakamega Homeboyz and drew with Sony Sugar in their last two games – their best run this season – but the slum boys remain confined in the relegation zone.
Another good result on Saturday, however, will see them leaving the red zone.
Zoo have not lost in their last nine matches and, despite the historical pedigree of their opponents, start as favourites.
Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi has to deal with a growing injury list that includes new signing Samuel Olwande, Daniel Mwaura, Alphonce Ndonye, Brian Nyakan and Martin Ongori.
The two sides drew 0-0 in their first leg encounter on July 2.
Muhoroni Youth vs Gor Mahia (Moi Stadium, 3pm)
Gor Mahia winger George “Blackberry” Odhiambo has been in great form and should feature prominently in this Kisumu clash.
Muhoroni will need to quickly adjust. Former assistant coach James Omondi has been called up to the main job as a stand in replacement for Gilbert Selebwa who resigned earlier in the week to take the team manager’s position at AFC Leopards.
They will also lack the presence of their vocal chairman Moses Adagala after he was handed a 120-day ban on Thursday by the League from attending matches.
Gor beat Muhoroni Youth 2-0 in the first leg clash staged in Kisumu a fortnight ago and with a joint league leading 25 goals this season will fancy another comfortably win against the western Kenya-based side.
Sofapaka vs Nakumatt (Narok Stadium, 3pm)
Nakumatt striker Kepha Aswani and Sofapaka’s Ezekiel Okare are tied on second place in the goal scorers’ chart with six goals each and will be the men to watch.
Midfielder Kapilima Kanamuli, who joined Nakumatt in June from Sofapaka, will face his former employers in this match.
Nakumatt have lost their last three matches.
The retail traders beat Sofapaka 2-1 in the first leg encounter on July 1 in Machakos.
Thika United vs Nzoia Sugar (Thika Stadium, 3pm)
Nzoia Sugar are on an impressive three-match winning run that, significantly, includes ending a season jinx of not winning at their Sudi Stadium home ground.
Thika, on the other hand, will be looking to provide a good response to their 3-0 loss to Sofapaka in their last match.
The two sides settled to a barren draw in their first leg fixture on July 1.
