With the title race long decided there really isn’t much else to fight for, right? Wrong. Three teams are deep in the relegation hole battling to climb out while one – Muhoroni Youth have already been consigned to the lower division. Then there is the Golden Boot tussle with any of seven players in with a chance of bagging the coveted gong.
SATURDAY
Kakamega Homeboyz v Chemelil Sugar (Mumias)
After putting together a stylish 10-match unbeaten record and climbing to second place on the SPL table, Kakamega Homeboyz have been flailing in recent times and have celebrated victory just once in their last four games.
Veterans Wycliffe Ochomo and Francis Ochola have failed to deliver the goals for Homeboyz this season, leaving that job to Jeremiah Wanjala who now has six goals to his name.
Chemelil on the other hand gallantly held former champion Tusker to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday and will be eager to follow this up with victory.
Chemelil goalkeeper Jairus Adira will be facing his former employers in this match as will his coach Mike Mururi who is now in his second season at Homeboyz.
A one-all draw was the outcome of the reverse fixture.
Kariobangi Sharks v Muhoroni Youth (Narok)
Muhoroni Youth have effectively been relegated after five years in top flight. This was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon following a 6-2 hiding by Bandari.
They will be playing for nothing other than pride. Sharks will be looking to pile on more points to finish in a decent position on the table.
Sharks’ Masoud Juma, on 11 goals, should feature prominently as he chases after the top scorers’ honour.
Muhoroni beat Sharks 1-0 in their first leg encounter.
SUNDAY
Bandari v Posta Rangers (Mbaraki)
Edwin Lavatsa, who has been on and off for Bandari this season due to injury, showed his prowess by scoring four goals against Muoroni Youth three days ago.
Bandari coach Paul Nkata could unleash him on Saturday to help complete a strong finish to a season of inconsistency for the coastal lads.
Rangers approach this match aware that victory could see them climb to second place on the log.
The two teams drew 0-0 in their first leg encounter.
AFC Leopards v Nakumatt (Mumias)
AFC Leopards followed up their GOtv Shield success with a shock 2-0 defeat to Nzoia United on Wednesday and will be looking to stage a comeback in Mumias.
Kepha Aswani, who is chasing this year’s Golden Boot, will be facing his former employers in this match. How will he perform with rumours heavy in the air that he could be returning to Ingwe next season?
The big cats crushed Nakumatt 3-0 in their first leg fixture.
Mathare United v Nzoia Sugar (Thika)
Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi seems to be winning the fight against relegation one point at a time, and he could secure the slum boy’s future in top flight by collecting three points against Nzoia.
Nzoia are coming into this match on the back of a confidence boosting 2-0 win over AFC Leopards on Wednesday.
Kimanzi will miss the services of David Owino who has been suspended for two matches for collecting six yellow cards and one red card.
The two teams played to a barren draw in their first leg clash.
Sony Sugar v Sofapaka (Awendo)
Sony Sugar slumped to a surprise 1-0 defeat at Thika United on Wednesday, while Sofapaka failed to overcome relegation battling Mathare United in a barren draw.
Led by Golden Boot chasing Umaru Kasumba, Sofapaka are looking to dislodge Tusker from second place on the SPL table.
Alfred Onyango was shown red in Sony Sugar’s previous match against Thika United and has therefore been suspended from this clash.
Sofapaka’s Mohammed Kilume will also miss this match for the same reason.
Sony beat Batoto ba Mungu 1-0 in their first leg match in March.
Tusker v Thika United (Ruaraka)
Tusker failed to secure second place by dropping two points in their midweek match against Chemelil Sugar, and will be looking to make a timely response.
Thika on the other hand are desperate to steer clear of relegation. Expect them to come out all guns blazing.
They will be without striker Onwudi Chibueze suspended for this match for the red card he collected during his team’s match against Sony Sugar.
Eugene Mukangula and Shami Kibwana scored a goal apiece to condemn Tusker to a 2-0 loss in the first leg clash.
Western Stima v Ulinzi Stars (Kisumu)
Stima threw away a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 to champions Gor Mahia on Wednesday leaving them in real danger of relegation. They must collect three point today to stand a good chance of surviving.
Stephen Waruru has not scored in several matches but with 11 goals thus far is very much in the running for the top scorers’ honour.
The first leg match ended 1-1.
Zoo Kericho v Gor Mahia (Afraha)
Rwandan import Jacques Tuyisenge wasn’t successful in extending his goal tally on Wednesday against Western Stima, and he will come into this match looking for the goals that will enable him stay on top of the top scorers’ charts.
Zoo Kericho’s young sensation Mike Madoya has been fronted as a contender for player of the season, and he will be eager to show his prowess.
Gor coach Dylan Kerr will miss the services of defender Musa Mohammed and utility Godfrey Walusimbi who are suspended from this clash for collecting five yellow cards each.
Kerr has said that even though the league title is assured, Gor Mahia will continue to play at full throttle to ensure they finish the season with a flourish. Ominous warning to all opponents.
Gor won the first leg match 1-0.
