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The much-awaited FKF Premier League season kicks off today with seven matches on the cards.

The majority of clubs have had a fair time in preparations for the delayed league that had been surrounded by prolonged uncertainty due to FIFA’s suspension of Kenya over government interference.

With FKF slowly resuming operations at Kandanda House after a truce with the government, there is little or no excitement about the league kick-off tomorrow due to a lack of sponsors. The enthusiasm of fans could also be shifted to the FIFA World Cup which is set for Sunday opener in Qatar.

FKF has a tough task ahead to lure co-operates to support the league, having been out of office for the past year after disbandment by the former regime last November.

Former champions

In the fixtures released, former champions Sofapaka will be at the coastal town, of Mombasa to face Bandari at the noisy Mbaraki Grounds. Batoto Ba Mungu now under the care of returning, ex-Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma will be keen to end a league-start hoodoo against the Dockers. Sofapaka has lost twice against their hosts in opening-day fixtures.

Bandari is one of the teams to watch out for in the new season. The team has been on a massive recruitment spree since June this year.

Some of the players that have been roped in by youthful coach Anthony Kimani include Harambee Stars prodigy Fidel Origa who joined from Wazito Football Club. Young forward Felix Oluoch who also switched camps will be eager to give a good show after a stellar performance from him while at Kariobangi Sharks. Kimani will have a full season as Bandari coach for the first time after he was given the mantle to steer the sinking ship last term.

Defending champions Tusker FC have a huge hill to climb at 3 PM as they face potential title challengers Homeboyz in the rainy Kakamega town. 

Homeboyz now in the hands of Coach John Barasa, has had a poor run against Tusker in recent matches.

They have only managed two wins against the Brewers and lost six in their last eight meetings. With coach Roberto Matano still at the helm of the 12-time FKF PL winners, pressure is still on them to deliver the trophy at Ruaraka Grounds although under new management.

Heavyweights

Former heavyweights AFC Leopards will be a way to Ulinzi Stars at the newly built Ulinzi Sports Complex along Langata Road. It will be the first competitive game at the venue since its opening mid this year. Ingwe followers will be expecting much from the team, with some fans anticipating an end to a long wait for the league title.

The fans have received a boost with the return of super Belgian tactician Patrick Aussems who was rumoured to be on his way out of the den.

Aussems has earned the trust of the club supporters who feel he is the right man to lead them to the promised land. He has been with the team for two years now and can dare to dream with Ingwe this season despite the player transfer embargo facing the club. Going to the opener, the Leopards have received a timely boost from goalkeeper Levis Opiyo who has been out injured for the better part of the pre-season.

The former Wazito custodian is now fit to feature tomorrow against Ulinzi. Defender Kaycie Odhiambo has also resumed training but may not be fit to play. Dependable sweeper Tedian Esilaba is out with a knee injury and will be sidelined for about two weeks.

Young star Dan Sunguti remains a long-term absentee for Aussems, nursing a knee injury since last May. The team is also facing uncertainty surrounding the acquisition of midfielders Josphat Lopaga, Cliff Nyakea and Victor Omune.  

Irish man Johnathan McKinstry will taste the local league for the first time since his appointment as Gor Mahia’s head coach five months ago.