This being a Fifa international weekend, action in the SportPesa Premier League will revolve around just five catch-up matches. Nakumatt and Zoo Kericho return to the foray following Tuesday’s Court of Appeal’s decision that granted them membership in the top flight league pending a determination on November 4.
Sony Sugar v Ulinzi Stars (Awendo Green Stadium, 3pm)
League top scorer Stephen Waruru, with 11 strikes to his name, has gone very quiet for Ulinzi Stars in recent matches and is in acute danger of losing his status.
Powered by the partnership of Congolese striker Mwana Yema and long serving forward Amos Asembeka, Sony will pose real problems to the soldiers.
The two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg played in June, but the sugar millers famously piped Ulinzi 1-0 in the GOtv Shield round of 16 played one month later.
Western Stima v Bandari (Moi Stadium, 3pm)
Western Stima had jumped to safety when Nakumatt and Zoo Kericho were struck of the Premier League two weeks ago, but now find themselves deep in the relegation zone following the duo’s reinstatement.
The power men have registered just one win in nine consecutive games, a worrying statistic for coach Richard Makumi who is fighting hard to steer the team to safety.
Bandari will come into this match hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-1 loss to league leaders Gor Mahia in Kisumu.
The reverse fixture ended in a barren draw.
Zoo Kericho v Kakamega Homeboyz (Kericho Green Stadium, 3pm)
Homeboyz’ lead striker Wycliffe Ochomo has endured a tough 2017 season, matters shifting to Jeremiah Wanjala, and Mike Khaduli to lead the team’s attack.
Although they have met just once in the top flight the two teams are no strangers, as they have clashed several times in the lower leagues.
The two teams settled for a 3-3 draw in their first leg encounter.
Nakumatt v Muhoroni Youth (Ruaraka ground, 3pm)
Nakumatt’s productive striker Kepha Aswani, on 10 goals, has another chance to chase down current league top scorer Stephen Waruru.
Muhoroni Youth are rock bottom of the league table and in desperate need of a win to enhance their survival in this competition.
Zoo will be proud to parade striker Mike Madoya the winner of the Player of the Month for June/ July.
The two teams played to a one-all draw in the first leg.
Kariobangi Sharks v AFC Leopards (Kenyatta Stadium, 3pm)
This will be a precursor of the eagerly anticipated GOtv Shield finals scheduled for October 20 where these two sides will face off.
Sharks have won just one of their last four games while Ingwe have won just once in five games. Leopards demolished 2-0 by Sofapaka last weekend.
Sharks will miss strikers Masoud Juma and Patilla Omotto while Ingwe will be without defenders Dennis Sikhayi and Robinson Kamura, all in Iran on international duty with Harambee Stars.
Sharks beat Ingwe 2-0 in their first leg match played on July 1.
