AFC Leopards begin their campaign against Bandari today, determined to end their 28-year wait for the league title.
The much-awaited Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League match kicks off at 4pm at Police Sacco grounds.
At the same time, newly promoted Mombasa United will make their top-flight debut against Kakamega Homeboyz at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.
Fans attending the Leopards-Bandari clash will pay Sh300 for terrace tickets and Sh500 for VIP seats.
Leopards last won the league title in 1998, and the crown has remained elusive as their traditional rivals, Gor Mahia, have dominated the local scene. Gor have won a record 23 league titles, compared to the Leopards’ 12.
Last season, Ingwe pushed Gor all the way before finishing second with 64 points, five behind the champions. Leopards have retained most of their squad, raising hopes that they can mount another serious title challenge.
Ugandan left-back Samuel Semo, who scored three goals last season, is among the players to watch, alongside midfielders Kelly Okonji Madada and Tyson Otieno, who combined effectively in creating scoring opportunities.
AFC Leopards’ Beja Hassan (right) vies for the ball with Malonga Hernest of Kenya Police during their FKF Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on April 18.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
Coach Fred Ambani will look to Maxwell Otieno and Samuel Ssenyonjo to lead the attack, with Andrew Waswa, Moussa Cisse and Elias Mugane providing additional options.
Leopards have been preparing through friendly matches, and they beat National Super League side Talanta FC 4-2 on October 3. Ssenyonjo, James Kinyanjui, Semo and Tyson scored in that encounter.
New Bandari coach Charles Okere, who was appointed in July after spending much of last season at Tusker, is confident his team can upset Ingwe.
“We are ready for AFC Leopards; it won't be a walk in the park, but we are ready. Most of the players we had here were available last season, and the new ones will gel as the league continues. I'm optimistic we have a good squad which will do well in the league,” said Okere.
Bandari, who have traditionally finished in the top 10, endured a disappointing campaign last season, finishing 12th with 44 points.
Nicholas Meja (left) of Bandari FC fights for the ball with David Okoth of Kakamega Homeboyz during a Kenyan Premier League match at Mbaraki Grounds in Mombasa.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
The head-to-head record favours Leopards, who have won 13 of their 34 meetings with Bandari. The Dockers have won 10, while 11 matches have ended in draws. However, the last three encounters between the sides all ended in goalless draws.
Leopards last beat Bandari 2-0 on December 22, 2024, while the Dockers' most recent victory over Ingwe was a 1-0 win on October 22, 2023.
Mombasa United were included in the league fixtures after the FKF leagues competitions committee ruled Kariobangi Sharks culpable following chaos that marred last Tuesday's promotion-relegation play-off, paving the way for the newcomers to compete in the top flight.
A win for the Sultans will boost their morale as they look to outdo neighbours Bandari as the face of the Coast region in FKF-PL.
Homeboyz are also an experienced team in the top-flight league and are banking on experienced coach Edward Manoah to steer them to win their matches and contest for the league title.
