The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) 2024/2025 season kicks off today with four matches on the cards.After weeks of intense pre-season activities and numerous changes in playing units and technical benches, every team is eager to make a strong start.From fresh talent breaking onto the scene to seasoned veterans pushing their limits, every team’s journey is a narrative waiting to be written.With the return of Mathare United and the promotion of Mara Sugar into the top-tier league, new rivalries will be ignited, and the pursuit of glory will fuel every kick of the ball.Defending champions Gor Mahia aims to secure a treble and reinforce their dominance in Kenyan football.However, they will not be in action today due to their commitments in continental competitions, along with Mozzart Bet Cup champions Kenya Police.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291072##The action begins at 1:00 pm with Posta Rangers taking on Bandari in an early kick-off at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.Under the leadership of Ken Odhiambo, returning for his third stint at the club, Bandari hopes to begin their maiden title chase with a victory.Meanwhile, Rangers, led by Bernard Kawinzi, who is in his first full campaign, aim to replicate last season’s strong start.OPINION: Dear clubs, don’t allow Gor Mahia to turn FKFPL into a farmers’ leagueDespite losing key players such as goalkeeper Samuel Njau and midfielder Brian Musa to Police, Rangers have bolstered their squad with experienced talents like Patillah Omoto and Erick Juma, among others.Bandari, on the other hand, had a quiet preseason, adding fewer than three new players, including Geoffery Ojung’a and Alfred Emoni, while losing key players like custodian Joseph Ochuka to Tusker and James Kinyanjui to KCB.Statistically, the Mailmen have a favourable head-to-head record against the Dockers, having won three of their last six encounters, with Bandari’s last victory dating back to June 2023.Bidco United vs ShabanaIn another match, Shabana will face Bidco United at Thika County Stadium.Shabana, boosted by a new sponsorship deal, hopes to motivate their players to victory against the Anthony Akhulia-coached side.🔴 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 ⚪️🆚 Bidco United. 🕒 3pm EAT🏆 FKF Premier League🏟 Thika Stadium pic.twitter.com/grc6jeoVkr— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) August 24, 2024 Both teams have been active in the transfer market, and new signings are expected to make their debuts as they look for a strong start to the campaign.Before today, the teams have met twice, each winning one match.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291074##Tusker vs SofapakaThe highlight of the day will see last season’s runners-up, Tusker, face Sofapaka at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos at 4:00 pm.New Tusker coach Charles Okere hopes to start his tenure with a win against Sofapaka, led by Robert Matano, who was Brewer’s coach last season.Batoto ba Mungu, who narrowly avoided relegation last term and are currently under a FIFA transfer embargo, are determined to start the season brightly and avoid the struggles of recent years.Historically, Sofapaka has struggled against Tusker, failing to win any of their last 11 meetings, with the beer makers winning their last five encounters.Sofapaka’s last win against Tusker was in June 2018, when goals from Ezekiel Okare and Umar Kasumba eliminated Tusker from a cup competition.How Kenya is falling behind to Uganda in stadia construction for AFCON 2027KCB vs Kariobangi SharksThe final match of the day features KCB against Kariobangi Sharks at Police Sacco Grounds.KCB, now under the guidance of former Kakamega Homeboyz coach Patrick Odhiambo, who replaced Bernard Mwalala, seeks to begin their quest for a maiden title with a win against William Muluya’s Sharks.Muluya, the longest-serving manager at a local club, faces the challenge of maintaining Sharks’ dominance over KCB, having won five of their last six league encounters.KCB’s last victory against Sharks was a 3-0 win in July 2021.Matchday 1 is here!Drop your predictions #FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/7mcG7oZjJD— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) August 23, 2024
