Reflections from FKFPL Round Two: Goals, glory, and growing pains

Week 2 of the new Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) season ended over the weekend paving the way for an international break which will see Harambee Stars play two friendly matches in the coming days against Qatar and South Sudan on Friday and Tuesday respectively.

With a total of 17 fixtures played so far, only moneybags Police FC, against all expectations and Kakamega Homeboyz FC, who are returning from the CAF Confederation Cup duty, are yet to score a goal.

Police who splashed out in the just ended transfer window, like is their trend now - roping in big names like Kenneth Muguna and Tyson Otieno - failed to win for the second time - going down heavily 3-0 to Posta Rangers.

Ndung'u strikes late to deny City Stars first win of the season

Homeboyz were given a rude welcome to the new season - receiving a painful 1-0 loss at newbies Murang'a Seal FC, who played their first ever top flight game at home.

Gor Mahia recorded their first victory with a narrow 1-0 win against Ulinzi Stars FC in a fairly attended game at Ulinzi Complex, while their in-laws AFC Leopards succumbed to a same scoreline defeat in the hands of KCB FC to remain winless in two games.

Where are Murang'a Seal fans?

The promotion of Murang'a Seal and Shabana to the FKF Premier League were met with a lot of enthusiasm as both teams were viewed as community clubs who will attract fans and light up the competition.

While Shabana has lived up and even surpassed the expectations, it was a rude shock seeing empty stands as Seal took on Kakamega Homeboyz in their first game at home, which they actually won, 1-0.

It begged the question, where are the Seal fans? Was the game well marketed? Was the scheduling done favorably?

The cameras are back

After years of darkness, the FKF penned a seven-year broadcast deal for the FKFPL with Tanzanian pay television giants Azam TV.

The good news injected fresh breath of air into the league as the quality of Azam TV, going by the work they have done with Ligi Kuu Tanzania, is well known.

Clubs will finally be able to be compensated for the media rights and hopefully the winners of the league this season will get a nice trophy and prize money.

The deal will however, fail, should fans not embrace it, buy decoders or download and use the Azam TV App to stream games.

Above all, fans should troop back to the stands in large numbers and support the league.

FKFPL: Gor shoot down Ulinzi, Tusker labours for a point as Murang'a Seal's brilliant start continues

Give Shabana fans their flowers

The best so far, the Red and White army brought life to a rather dull Friday afternoon in Nairobi as they made their presence felt in the CBD - singing and dancing peacefully and blowing vuvuzelas before they made their way to Nyayo Stadium for their game against FC Talanta.

Inside the stadium, the numbers were impressive and the atmosphere was electric. Every promising move and shot brought great cheer in a show of the crave for success they expect from Tore Bobe.

A late equalizer almost brought the roof down as excited fans celebrated the team's first Premier League goal in 17 years.

Francis Baraza has his work cut out

At one point in the second half, Police FC subbed newly acquired Kenneth Muguna for veteran Francis Kahata as they sought to unlock a resilient Posta Rangers in vain.

The substitution, a proof of depth, was also an indicator of the headache coach Francis Baraza has in fielding the big star names.

Losing 3-0 in the end, lent credence to the criticism that Police FC is far from a team, but a collection of the big names, some who are past their sunset years.

To make a mark this season, and if possible win their maiden league title as is their biggest plan, Baraza will have to move with speed and get his rhythm.