NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 25 – There will be eight matches lined up across various venues on Wednesday afternoon as the FKF Premier League gathers steam with round 12 of action.
Here are some of the fixtures to look out for.
AFC Leopards vs Kenya Police FC, Nyayo Stadium, 3pm
Leopards will look to put to a halt Kenya Police’s FKF Premier League unbeaten run under Francis Barazas when the two sides lock horns at the Nyayo National Stadium.
As they warm up for Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby, Leopards hope for a huge morale boosting victory against the high-riding Police. They played away to Bandari FC on Sunday, winning 2-1, and the effects of the long travel of over 500km will be something of concern for Ingwe coach Patrick Aussems.
The tactician has sort of a ‘grudge’ against Police who whisked away his skipper Marvin Nabwire and Dan Musamali in the middle of last season without warning, and left him desolate in midfield.
Police have been on a roll since Baraza took charge and they have won four of their last five matches to push up to fifth in the standings.
Baraza has not lost a single match and their victory over high-riding Nzoia Sugar on Sunday, sent a statement of intent.
Tusker FC vs Ulinzi Stars, Kasarani Annex, 3:15pm
Unbeaten against Ulinzi Stars in their last five meetings, defending champions Tusker FC face the soldiers at the Annex, hoping to continue their winning ways after edging out Sofapaka FC 1-0 over the weekend.
The brewers who had started the season strong with six wins on the trot were winless in three matches, but the victory over Sofapaka breathed some new life in them.
Soldiers Ulinzi who are four points below them on the standings have been in equally good form with Bernard Mwalala’s men winning three and drawing two of their last five matches.
Against a side they last beat in October 2019, they will fancy their chances to con tinue with a good streak and keep their hopes of a first title in 13 years alive.
One interesting thing to look out for in this fixture is the return of Boniface Muchiri, who is set to face off with his ex employers in a competitive fixture for the first time since he left.
Muchiri has been one of Ulinzi’s stand-out performers, and it will be interesting to see whether he will be back haunting his former team.
In the early kick off at the Annex, second placed KCB will take on Posta Rangers, who are slowly turning into the league’s punching bags after last weekend’s 5-1 drubbing by Kariobangi Sharks.
Nairobi City Stars vs Wazito FC, Ruaraka Complex, 3pm
Meanwhile, Nairobi City Stars have been boosted with the return of midfielder Peter Opiyo ahead of their match against Wazito FC at the Ruaraka Complex this afternoon.
Opiyo had missed the last two matches as he took his first steps into coaching by attending the CAF D Coaching Course, but will be available after finishing late last week.
Having beaten Mathare United 1-0 last weekend, City Stars are looking to make it back to back wins for the first time this season.
Wazito have been struggling as well with only two wins in seven matches and they will be keen to pick a result on the road to help them move off the bottom three in the standings. They have lost three of their lasty five matches and another defeat will see them sink lower.
The new loiok team, under new management, coaching team and set of players have been struggling to grind results and City Stars will be another stern test for them.
Other fixtures:
Meanwhile in other matches, Kakamega Homeboyz will be at home against Sofapaka with John Baraza coming up against the side he led to their only league conquest in 2009.
Baraza made his name with Batoto ba Mungu, winning two golden boots at his time there and also had several coaching stints.
Kariobangi Sharks will meanwhile play Bandari at the Kasarani Stadium, Bidco United host Mathare at the Utalii Grounds while Nzoia Sugar battle bottom side Vihiga Bullets at the Sudi Stadium in Bungoma, all matches kicking off at 3pm.
