Four things we learnt from pulsating FKF Premier League Week 1

After months of uncertainty, the much anticipated 2022-23 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) season commenced over the weekend with seven week 1 fixtures on the cards.

Here's what we learnt from the weekend action…

1. Fans missed the action

Going by impressive fans turnout witnessed especially in matches that involved Kakamega Homeboyz FC, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, it goes without saying that the 12th player was craving some real action served from the stands.

"I was really surprised by the turnout in those games. After the lull, back and forth and uncertainties surrounding our football, to see fans turn out as they did was surprising for me, clearly football still remains a revered sport in Kenya," observed Kennedy Otieno, who was at Nyayo Stadium for the Gor Mahia versus Nzoia Sugar FC clash.

1. Preseason is very important, but don't indulge in the hype

Police FC 1-0 loss to K.C.B FC was perhaps the week's biggest talking point especially on social media. Compared to all other teams, Police had arguably the best preseason, which saw them camp in Rwanda for ten days. They were also the most active on the transfer window, beefing up their squad with big names. To crown it all, Police won the inaugural Elite Pre-Season Cup against Nairobi City Stars. Yet, when the rubber met the tarmac, low-key K.C.B carried the day, sending the coach Sammy "Pamzo" Omollo-led technical bench back to the drawing board.

1. The big boys of the league are not ceding ground soon

Tusker FC traveled to Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega where they harvested all the points available against their closest challengers last season, Kakamega Homeboyz FC. It was a huge statement of intent. At Nyayo Stadium, multiple champions Gor Mahia edged out Nzoia Sugar FC 1-0; a team that had a better head-to-head record against them, and they hadn't beaten since 2020. AFC Leopards were equally daring, beating Ulinzi Stars FC 2-0 at their newly inaugurated Ulinzi Sports Complex. With Police FC losing to K.C.B FC, the message was subtle, but clear, the big boys mean business.

1. Patrick Aussems is a gem

Previously known as a journeyman, AFC Leopards’ Belgian coach is proving that he can stick with a club in good and bad times, and that he believes in project Ingwe. Despite many challenges, including being informed, at the eleventh hour, that he will not be able to use ten of his players, who were not properly registered, the former Simba SC coach, still had a solution against Ulinzi Stars.

"I learnt three days before our first league game that I won't be able to play with 10 of my players due to administrative reasons. It's a big blow to the head! Difficult to admit, but we have to deal with it. Ingwe fans, tomorrow be 200% behind your young team," Aussems rallied for support before the big win.

FKFPL Week 1 Results

Gor Mahia 1-0 Nzoia Sugar FC

Ulinzi Stars 0-2 AFC Leopards

Kakamega Homeboyz 1-2 Tusker FC

Bandari FC 2-1 Sofapaka

Talanta FC 2-2 K. Sharks

Police FC 0-1 KCB FC

Nairobi City Stars 0-2 Bidco United