By OUR CORRESPONDENT
The long wait is over. The FKF Premier League will kick off on Saturday with eight matches lined up on match day one at various venues across the country.
Defending champions Gor Mahia will begin their title defense against Sofapaka at Kasarani Stadium while last season’s runners-up Tusker travel to Mombasa for an encounter against Bandari FC at KPA Mbaraki Sports Ground.
Moneybags and 2023/24 season favorites Kenya Police will be looking to better their third-place finish from last season, as they start their campaign against Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Annex Stadium.
Last year’s fourth-placed team Nzoia Sugar will entertain Ulinzi Stars at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma county.
After 17 years in the cold, Shabana makes a comeback to the top-tier league. The Glamour Boys start their campaign against Murang’a Seal at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay. Murang’a Seal will be making their debut. Both sides will be fighting to retain their top-tier status.
In other fixtures, AFC Leopards, Nzoia Sugar, Nairobi City Stars, and Posta Rangers host Talanta, Ulinzi, Muhoroni Youth, and Bidco respectively.
Kakamega Homeboyz and KCB will not play on the opening weekend as the former will be on continental duty in the CAF Confederation Cup against Al Hilal in Libya, hence their match will be rescheduled. In the first leg played at Nyayo National Stadium, Kakamega Homeboyz was held to a barren draw by the visiting Al Hilal and they face a uphill task at Benghazi.
Round One Fixtures
Saturday, August 26, 2023
1. Bandari vs Tusker (Mbaraki Sports Club, 3 pm)
2. Nzoia Sugar vs Ulinzi Stars (Sudi Stadium, 3 pm)
3. Gor Mahia vs Sofapaka (Kasarani Main Stadium, 3 pm)
4. Kariobangi Sharks vs Kenya Police (Kasarani Annex, 3 pm)
Sunday, August 27, 2023
1. Posta Rangers vs Bidco (Kasarani Main Stadium, 3 pm)
2. AFC Leopards vs Talanta (Nyayo Stadium, 3 pm)
3. Nairobi City Stars vs Muhoroni Youth (Kasarani Annex, 3 pm)
4. Shabana vs Murang’a Seal (Raila Odinga, 3 pm)
