Six lessons learned from FKF Premier League matchweek 32

After its conclusion, the FKF Premier League matchweek 32 proved to be the season's definitive moment in as far as the thrilling title race, between traditional rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, is concerned.

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While there were a total of eight matches played across the league, the talk of the town remains the clash between APS Bomet and AFC Leopards.

Despite being inactive over the weekend, Gor Mahia remained the biggest winners, clinching the league title for a record-extending 22nd top-flight crown.

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As has been our norm throughout the season, Mozzart Sport highlights six key lessons that can be deduced after a comprehensive coverage of the matchweek.

Gor Mahia march to their 22nd league title

Gor Mahia secured a record 22nd league title despite not kicking a ball in matchweek 32, courtesy of APS Bomet’s 2-1 win over AFC Leopards at the Kericho Green Stadium.

Throughout the season, Gor Mahia proved to be ahead of its peers. From an organised leadership to quality players and an enthusiastic fanbase, K'Ogalo showed the experience and resilience needed to clinch the title.

In a season that AFC Leopards gave them a run for their money, K’Ogalo banked on their experience in title races to maintain their nerves and push beyond their limits.

K’Ogalo won matches that they did not necessarily play well in; they staged comebacks when they were ruled out and scored goals in the dying minutes - all hallmarks of a champion.

While their match against Mara Sugar was suspended by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) after the Sugar Millers protested the choice of Raila Odinga Stadium by FKF as the venue, the success by APS meant that they did not have to kick a ball over the weekend to be declared champions.

AFC Leopards must tame their outbursts

AFC Leopards have become accustomed to a controversial habit in the league this season, where the club’s top brass have had outbursts over varying issues during the campaign.

From Chairman Boniface Ambani to Alex Mulindi, the club's Secretary General, the trait seems to have now been passed on to head coach Fred Ambani.

Fred lost his cool following the club’s 2-1 loss to APS Bomet and went ballistic, throwing aspersions on the centre referee and went ahead to unfortunately insinuate ethnic undertones for their tribulations.

While Ambani may have been understandably upset after Leopards’ hopes of ending their 28-year wait for a league title evaporated, his choice of words was totally uncalled for.

As one of the most consequential clubs in the country, Leopards have a duty to improve the integrity and image of the game and not be part of what destroys it.

Profligate Shabana must invest in a top striker

Shabana FC were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by relegation-bound Sofapaka in a match that depicted the need for a prolific striker at the club.

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The last two minutes of the match saw Shabana create numerous chances to take the lead, but they were all wasted, forcing the club to settle for a single point.

With ambitions of winning the title and as one of the most followed clubs in the country, the Glamour Boys must shop for a top striker if they are to put smiles on the faces of their fans.

Salute Philip Wasai!

While much credit will go to coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo for guiding APS Bomet out of the relegation zone and the monetary support by club patron Kipchumba Murkomen, captain Philip Wasai deserves much more credit for the Law Enforcers' survival.

In what is just his first season in top-flight football, Wasai has demonstrated himself to be a prolific striker who can be depended on during tough moments.

As a captain and policeman, the soft-spoken forward has led from the front and delivered decisive goals for his club, the latest being his brace against AFC Leopards.

Paul Okoth remains Ulinzi Stars’ saviour

The former Kariobangi Sharks forwards' importance to Ulinzi Stars this season cannot be overstated. The forward has been banging goals for his club throughout the season, but once again proved to be counted when they needed him most.

After going 1-0 down to Mathare United, Ulinzi launched a desperate search for a goal and from a cross that seemed to be overhit, Okoth backpedalled, rose high and twisted his body to direct his header to the back post to level scores before timing his run to score the winner later on.

A key characteristic of a top striker is delivering when it matters, and so for Ulinzi's survival journey, Okoth has so far proved to be the man who may deliver them to the promised land.

Daniel Ogembo is now mature enough

Police FC’s goalkeeper, Daniel Ogembo, was thrown into the deep end when an injury to Job Ochieng in their match against KCB FC on 9 January forced him to be introduced.

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After three shaky games, Ogembo started improving with each passing day and later made a name for himself in the team, which forced coach Nicholas Muyoti to retain him between the sticks even after the return of Ochieng.

Ogembo once again pulled a stellar show in their barren draw with Nairobi United, making four excellent saves in the second half to keep a valuable clean sheet.