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The FKF Premier League returns with a bang this weekend after a lengthy holiday break, offering fans six thrilling matches to kick off Round 17 – with top teams looking to assert dominance and struggling sides aiming for redemption. 

A couple of exciting fixtures are lined up today and tomorrow.

Ninth-placed Shabana FC will host in-form Tusker FC at the intimidating Gusii Stadium grounds this afternoon. 

The Brewers, under the stewardship of coach Charles Okere, have hit top gear following a slow start to the season. They currently sit joint top of the table with 27 points. The 13-time league champions boast four wins in their last five matches and will be keen to solidify their lead with a win against a resillient Shabana side in their own backyard.

Tore Bobe, as Shabana are fondly known, have lost only once in their past five matches and currently hold 20 points. They will rely heavily on their passionate fans to unsettle the title favorites. 

Shabana’s strong home record could work in their favour, though Tusker’s coach Okere has warned that his side needs to tighten their defence.

“We score but equally concede in our matches, and we need to assess and fix that issue. A lot of key injuries have affected us in the backline, but we soldier on,” Okere remarked during a recent press briefing. 

Another intriguing clash to watch will see struggling Ulinzi Stars face debutants Mara Sugar FC at Dandora Stadium tomorrow in a televised encounter. The soldiers, led by Danstan Nyaudo, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, languishing in 15th place.

Mara Sugar, meanwhile, are enjoying an impressive debut campaign, sitting 10th despite a rough patch that saw them lose four of their last five matches.

Ulinzi will hope to build on their 2-1 win over Nairobi City Stars in their previous outing, while Mara will aim to bounce back and keep their mid-table momentum alive. 

Elsewhere, Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County will host a double-header today. The opening match pits bottom-placed Posta Rangers against Nairobi City Stars. The mailmen, facing the threat of relegation, will be eager to kick off the year with a victory against a side they have beaten before. 

The second fixture at the same venue features FC Talanta against Kakamega Homeboyz. Both sides are enduring tough spells, with Talanta stuck in 16th place on 14 points, while Homeboyz, last season’s FKF Mozzart Cup winners, occupy 14th place with 16 points after four consecutive draws.