One Charles Bruno still played in the Kenyan top flight- the FKF Premier League, when coach Edward Manoah occasionally made his way to Kisumu for a regional classic featuring the two best teams in Kisumu and Vihiga Counties. Manoah’s Vihiga United had at the time established a dominance over Palos FC (now defunct). Fast forward to 2024 and Bruno is no longer at SoNy Sugar but has had a meteoric rise to head Kisumu All Stars FC, a name that technically replaced Palos at the time of the latter’s disbandment. Coach Manoah on the other hand, has within that spell aided two different teams to promotion into the top flight; Vihiga United and Vihiga Bullets. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7822181##So traveled was he that he even had a hand in Migori Youth’s resurgence in 2019 before- as technical director of the club- aided in Kakamega Homeboyz’s 2023 FKF Cup triumph. The two coaches; one, a novice yet ambitious, and the other- carrying hefty credentials will face off for the first time in the National Super League on February 3rd. Bruno’s Kisumu All Stars have a dicey-looking trip to Mumias Sports Complex where Mulembe FC (formerly Vihiga United) have shifted their base. The NSL table standings bode well for the Kisumu side whose recent slump in form has not pushed them far off the chasing pack. Harambee Stars can easily beat Ivory Coast, says coach Engin FiratSitting at 5th on the 20-team log, the results speak for themselves as regards Bruno’s work in the first leg. Mulembe on the other hand haven’t had the fairest of campaigns- especially for a division they are always prone to dominating. Sixteen points for the season places them at 17th on the log and just above the relegation zone. Coach Manoah has only overseen two fixtures since his appointment when the club’s new management felt an immediate change was inevitable in the technical bench. The 5-1 humbling on the road to Dimba Patriots must have certainly sent the new bench into the market, and lucky for them it’s open, in a bid to reinforce their unit. Bidco forward John Walubuka delighted after opening season’s goal accountJust like All-Stars however, they have kept it a closed-door affair and fans will have to wait for the league resumption to sample out what’s new.The two teams, traditionally boasting of a wide pool of local talent to choose from, have also in the past benefitted from experienced players chopped from the top tier and wishing to return ‘home’ for another run with their home clubs. Top FKF PL teams, after a rapid first half of the season, have already made their choices; dropping seasoned names in favour of younger- exciting ones. It will be no surprise to see some of these playing in the second tier- just to remain in the conversation. All Stars did themselves justice to rope in Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Stephen Otieno and Michael Karamor. While the Nigerian has been busy upfront, scoring nine goals for the season, Otieno’s reflexes at the back always ensured three points for the side. Baraza optimistic of winning titles at Bandari after shopping heavilyWord has it that former Mara Sugar winger Eugene Opuodho is in the team’s plans.United on the other hand quickly snapped up former Vihiga Bullets forward Richard Otieno who netted twice on debut against Migori Youth. Themselves boasting well-traveled midfielders as Kevin Mwavali, this round 18 NSL contest has all the markings of a regional Classico. The two sets of teams know each other to the core, and familiarity they say, breeds contempt.
