AFC Leopards will kick off their quest for the elusive Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title with a highly anticipated clash against Mathare United at the Dandora Stadium this Sunday afternoon.The match marks the beginning of another season filled with hope for Ingwe, whose fans have been yearning for a league title since their last triumph in 1998. Despite the long wait and numerous disappointments, the club’s passionate supporters have remained loyal, and club chairman Dan Shikanda is optimistic that this could finally be their year.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291043##Standing in their way is Mathare United, a youthful and determined side that recently earned promotion back to the KPL after finishing second in the National Super League. The Slum Boys had experienced the sting of relegation a season earlier but bounced back swiftly, and they enter the top tier with renewed vigor and ambition.Both teams have been busy during the off-season, focusing on rebuilding their squads. Mathare United has been particularly active, adding a mix of young talent and experienced players, including goalkeeper Michael Wanyika, left-back Erickson Mulu, and striker Derrick Anami. AFC Leopards, meanwhile, have bolstered their ranks with four seasoned players: Peter Manyang, Julius Masaba, Sydney Lokale, and Samuel Semo.Sunday’s match offers a crucial opportunity for both teams to start the season on the right foot. Mathare coach John Kamau is fully aware of the significance of a positive start, emphasizing the need for a win against a strong opponent like AFC Leopards.”It is crucial to begin the season with a win, and a victory against AFC Leopards will give us the momentum we need. They are a top team with excellent coaching and have had a more comprehensive pre-season than us,” Kamau noted in an interview with the club’s media team.True Talents of Africa send message to Junior Starlets ahead of FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup debutOn the other side, Leopards’ coach Tomas Trucha is determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s sluggish start, which saw former coach Tom Juma dismissed and Trucha brought in as his replacement.”The club’s main downfall has been a shaky start to the season. Last season, we struggled at first, but we improved later on, but it was too late to compete for the title. If we want to end the league drought, we must have as effective a start as the results we posted at the end of the last campaign,” Trucha said.The match is set to kick off at 3 PM.Ulinzi Stars vs Murang’a SealAt the Ulinzi Sports Complex, a rejuvenated Ulinzi Stars will host Murang’a Seal in what promises to be a gripping league encounter.The Soldiers have injected fresh blood into their squad, opting for younger players as they aim to make a strong impression this season. Seal, who have lost several key players to rivals, have also reinforced their team with new faces from the KPL and the National Super League.Under the guidance of new coach Dunstan Nyaudo, Ulinzi will be looking to capitalize on home advantage to secure all three points. However, Seal, who have been in fine form during pre-season, will fancy their chances against the 2010 league winners.Last season, both meetings between these two sides ended in 1-1 draws.FKFPL: Tusker collects first win of new FKF Premier League season as Shabana drawKick-off is at 3 PM.Mara Sugar vs Kakamega HomeboyzHistory will be made at the Awendo Green Stadium as Mara Sugar takes to the pitch for the first time as a Kenyan Premier League team, facing off against Kakamega Homeboyz.Mara earned their promotion to the top tier by topping the National Super League, and they will be eager to make a strong debut in the KPL.Both teams come into the match with new head coaches. George Midenyo, appointed just yesterday, will lead Mara, while Ken Kenyatta will be making his debut as Homeboyz’s head coach.Mara Sugar, known for their formidable home form in the NSL, will be looking to carry that momentum into the KPL, starting with this game against the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup winners.The match kicks off at 3 PM.A look at Mara Sugar’s 12-year journey to the FKF Premier League
