FKF Premier League resumes with mouthwatering fixtures after festive break

As the curtain falls on the festive season, football enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling return of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) this weekend.

The league's hiatus ends, bringing a wave of excitement as teams gear up for action after a well-deserved two-week break.

The weekend highlight unfolds at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, on Saturday, January 6, 2024, where defending champions Gor Mahia prepare to face a formidable challenge from Posta Rangers. In what marks the final round of the season's first leg, Gor Mahia, with an impressive unbeaten streak, aims to extend their lead. Conversely, Posta seeks to narrow the five-point gap that separates them from the top spot.

Bandari FC is set for a critical home game against Nzoia Sugar at Mbaraki Stadium on the same day, looking to bounce back from a narrow defeat to K’Ogalo. The stakes are high as Bandari endeavours to avoid slipping further down the league table, while Nzoia Sugar, positioned at the bottom, desperately seeks points to escape the relegation zone.

Shabana and Muhoroni Youth engage in a tightly contested match at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay. Coming off contrasting fortunes in previous fixtures, both teams are eager to set the tone for a positive start to the New Year.

Kenya Police hosts Kakamega Homeboyz in another intriguing battle. Homeboyz head coach Peter Odhiambo expressed their determination to accumulate more points and vie for the league title after the Christmas and New Year holidays. The team, consistently strong this season, faces a tough challenge from Kenya Police, determined to make a mark in their home ground.

“We were hoping to use today's friendly as part of our build-up, but it ended prematurely. We shouldn't put our interests before the game, and we need to respect football,” Odhiambo told press on Monday, January 1, 2024, following a loss in a friendly match against AFC Leopards Juniors at the Bukhungu Stadium.

Nairobi City Stars seeks redemption at the Kasarani Annex against FC Talanta following a heavy defeat against Kariobangi Sharks. The clash promises to be intense as Ken Kenyatta's men strive to regain their winning form.

On Sunday, January 7, 2024, fixtures are equally exciting, as debutants Murang'a Seal tackle Kariobangi Sharks at Police Sacco Stadium in South C. Fresh off a draw against AFC Leopards, Murang'a Seal is eager to secure a victory after six games without one.

The weekend's action culminates with a high-stakes encounter between KCB and former champions Tusker at the Police Sacco Stadium. The Brewers, riding high from a victory over Kenya Police, face a formidable test against KCB, hinting at a potential shift in the league dynamics.

Struggling Sofapaka, under the new leadership of head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, faces Bidco United at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

Positioned in the relegation zone, Sofapaka is under immense pressure to turn their fortunes around and secure vital points.

Finally, AFC Leopards hosts Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo Stadium, with the match holding immense importance for Leopards to secure their third win of the season and distance themselves from the lower end of the table.

Saturday, January 6, 2024:

• Nairobi City Stars v FC Talanta
• Shabana v Muhoroni Youth
• Kenya Police v Kakamega Homeboyz
• Posta Rangers v Gor Mahia
• Bandari v Nzoia Sugar

Sunday, January 7, 2024:

• Kariobangi Sharks v Murang'a Seal
• Sofapaka v Bidco United
• AFC Leopards v Ulinzi Stars
• KCB v Tusker FC