FKFPL: Ulinzi battle Gor as Tusker, Seal out to continue perfect start with back to back wins

Another Saturday, another week of Kenyan footie, and one that will see three key fixtures played at different venues across the country.

It's week two and thus the need not to overreact, especially given the contrasting starts by two of the teams that battled hard up until the final matchday last season.

Both of them - Tusker and Gor Mahia - will stare down tricky ties this afternoon as Kakamega Homeboyz seek to kickstart their FKF Premier League season on a high.

Ulinzi Stars vs Gor Mahia.

There is only one place to start on Saturday and that is the 56th meeting between two sides with lofty expectations this season.

Serikali vs Sirkal as many term it, will offer both teams a chance to rebound from last week’s disappointments, one that saw K’Ogalo need a second-half penalty by Benson Omala to salvage a point from Sofapaka FC, as Ulinzi Stars - albeit with a new coach - lost1-2 to Nzoia Sugar, who everyone agrees parted ways with their most pivotal players from last season in the offseason transfer window.

If last season’s record is anything to go by, then Gor Mahia should feel confident about this one, as you’ll have to go back to 26 August 2021 to find the last time Ulinzi Stars nicked three points from them.

A fairly tough game to predict though, with the wins between both teams agonizingly close.

In the previous 55 meetings between the two sides, K'Ogalo have won 19 with Ulinzi being triumphant in 16 as 20 went all even.

The game kicks off at 1500 EAT at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Tusker vs Kariobangi Sharks.

An opening-day win on the road against Bandari at Mbaraki should make today’s home side - Tusker - feel a bit confident about this one but as last season goes, a great start can only be as good as a good enough finish.

Robert Matano’s first home game of the season will however see them play against a team that in all fairness, jumped to a decent start against Kenya Police last weekend in what was an underserved barren draw, and will potentially offer opportunity for an old face - Eugene Asike to return to the team he famously led to a league and cup double.

Sharks are not alien to winning against Tusker, as they have recorded three wins against The Brewers in all competitions, and will hope that the notable missing name from today - Tusker’s David Odoyo who received a red card last weekend - will present a chance for the Shark to pounce.

Asike returns to Tusker on a short term deal

The match kicks off at 1500 EAT at the Ruaraka Grounds.

Murang’a Seal vs Kakamega Homeboyz.

That picture of a shirtless Batts Awita wheeling away in celebration after sinking returnees Shabana last week in a last-gasp 1-0 victory should be a moment to behold for today’s hosts but will be one they hope to move on from when they face a battered Homeboyz side looking to move on from Sunday’s humiliation in the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round.

Following a barren draw on home soil, Kenya’s sole representatives in the continental stage suffered a devastating 4-1 defeat to Al Hilal Benghazi and a win away - at the St. Sebastian Park - should at least offer reprieve for a side that showed their mettle last season in clinching the Mozzart Bet Cup.

A win for Murang’a Seal, and maybe delirium in Central Kenya.

Match kicks off at 1500 EAT.

FKF PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 2

15.00 (3.35) Ulinzi Stars (3.05) Gor Mahia (2.20).

15.00 (1.85) Tusker (3.30) Kariobangi Sharks (4.20).

15.00 Muranga Seal - Kakamega Homeboyz