Gor Mahia will begin their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title defense against Sofapaka as the 2023-24 season gets underway with eight matches spread across Saturday and Sunday.

K’Ogalo, who are Kenya’s record champions having clinched their 20th title in history in the last campaign will face the 2009 champions at Kasarani Stadium in what will kick off another grueling campaign at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

Last season, Gor Mahia ended their two seasons without the league title after edging out rivals Tusker to the gong on a dramatic final day. While K’Ogalo battered Nairobi City Stars 4-1, the Brewers thrashed relegated Vihiga Bullets 4-0 but it was the former, who won the title on 70 points, one more than Tusker, who finished second.

Ahead of the new campaign, Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry is bullish that he will deliver another league title for the K’Ogalo faithful at the end of the season.

In a recent interview with People Sports, the Northern Irish tactician said: “We enter the final week of FKF Premier League preparations in a determined mood,” adding: “Still plenty for Gor Mahia to do, but we are on the right track as we work to retain the championship.”

Already, Gor Mahia began the season by winning the FKF Shield Cup after defeating Kakamega Homeboyz  4-2 on penalties after the game had ended 1-1 in regular time. On a positive note, Gor have managed to keep some of their key players among them goalkeeper Gad Mathews, who was being linked with a move away from the club.

They have also managed to sign former Sofapaka player Boniface Omondi, and highly-rated Ugandan attacker Rogers Mugisha from UPL side Uganda People’s Defence Forces FC.

Meanwhile, Batoto ba Mungu, who finished the last campaign in 10th position, will be seeking their second league title under new Burundian coach Francis Haringingo. Sofapaka have reinforced their squad with the return of Burundian forward Fiston Abdul Razak, former Mathare United striker Daniel Otieno, forward Darius Msagha from Bandari, ex-Mathare United captain Khalid Juman, winger Oliver Maloba from Nairobi City Stars and striker John Ndirangu.

After spending big in the transfer window, Kenya Police under Francis Baraza will kick off their campaign against Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani on Saturday.

The Law Enforcers have been tipped as among the title contenders having signed former Gor Mahia midfielder Kenneth Muguna and Tyson Otieno from Kariobangi Sharks and roped in coach Salim Babu to assist Baraza.
Meanwhile, Tusker under Robert Matano will travel to face Bandari at Mbarak Sports Club. The Brewers have added to their squad with striker Eric Kapaito making the headlines after joining on a one-year deal. Other new faces in Tusker include Ugandan winger John Byamukama, Joseph Mwangi, and James Kibande from Nzoia Sugar, Fabien Adikiny from Murang’a Seal.