Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League 2024/25 season kicks off this weekend with seven matches scheduled across the country on Saturday and Sunday.
Defending champions Gor Mahia and domestic Cup winners Kenya Police will, however, not be in league action as they will be involved in continental assignments.
Gor Mahia will be keen to overturn the 1-0 first-leg Caf Champions League defeat suffered in Juba when they host El Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan in the return leg at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Police, who are making their debut in the Confederation Cup following their success in clinching the Mozzart Bet Cup at the end of last season, will travel to face Ethiopian Coffee in Addis Ababa on Sunday.
The two teams settled for a 0-0 draw in the first leg at Nyayo Stadium.
Back to league action, Tusker will start their campaign to wrestle the title from K’Ogalo when they host Sofapaka at Kenyatta Stadium in one of the matches scheduled for tomorrow.
The Brewers will head into the season opener brimming with confidence, having enjoyed a successful pre-season tour in Uganda where they won twice and drew one game.
Tusker began their pre-season with a match against Soltilo Bright Stars, winning 1-0, replicated the same scoreline against Uganda Cup champions Kitara FC in Masindi, and concluded their tour with a 0-0 draw against Lugazi FC.
“It has been a hugely successful week, and we have managed to see where we are as a team. We played three friendly matches, and every player had at least 60 minutes of action. This is very key for us, as it gives everyone an opportunity to show what they can do,” maintained interim coach Charles Okere.
Sofapaka will strive to start the season on a high, having struggled last campaign and survived in the top-tier by a whisker.
Batoto ba Mungu have already enlisted the services of coach Robert Matano, who will come up against his former employers.
In other matches tomorrow, Posta Rangers will be at home against Bandari, KCB will entertain Kariobangi Sharks, while Bidco United will face Shabana.
On Sunday, all eyes will shift to the AFC Leopards duel with Mathare United at the new Dandora Stadium.
Ingwe will be seeking a positive start as they strive to end their 26-year drought without a Premier League trophy.
The ‘Slum Boys’ will be making a return to the top-flight after earning direct promotion, and coach John Kamau is well aware of the threats posed by Ingwe.
“It is essential to start off a new season with a win, and a win against AFC Leopards will give us the right boost. They are a top team and are well-coached. You can also see for yourself that they have had a really good pre-season, with everything being made available for them,” Kamau noted.
Ingwe coach Tomas Trucha will hope to parade his new signings, including South Sudan national team captain Peter Maker Manyang Mabok, Sydney Lokale (formerly of Sharks, HIFK Finland, KCB FC, and FC Saint Eloi Lupopo in Congo), Samuel Semo from Murang’a Seal and Julius Masaba from Sharks.
Newcomers Mara Sugar will start their journey with an away game against Kakamega Homeboyz, while Ulinzi Stars, under new coach Dunstan Nyaudo, will face Murang’a Seal.
