Gor Mahia face Homeboyz test as Tusker take on tricky Kariobangi Sharks

6th April 2024 - by Luttah Njomo

Five matches will be played on Saturday.

PHOTO| SportPesa
SUMMARY
  • Gor Mahia will be desperate to get back to winning ways.
  • Tusker will hope to overcome a tricky Kariobangi Sharks side.
  • Bandari will also wait to pounce on any chance handed to them when they face Ulinzi.

After nearly a month-long break, the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) returns this weekend with several mouthwatering matches on offer.

In an early kickoff, Tusker FC will face Kariobangi Sharks at 1:00 pm at the Machakos Stadium.

Elsewhere, the limping Shabana will seek to return to winning ways when they go head-to-head with Posta Rangers, the same as Ulinzi Stars who will be facing the Coastal-based side Bandari FC.

Muhoroni Youth will also be in action on Saturday against City Stars with all three matches set to start at 3:00 pm.

The biggest match this Saturday will see league leaders Gor Mahia welcome the in-form Kakamega Homeboyz in Machakos with the kickoff time being 4:00 pm.

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Here are key details regarding FKFPL Saturday matches

FKFPL champions Gor Mahia will be keen to use the Homeboyz match to return to winning ways.

This is after the Jonathan McKinstry-coached side succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Bandari in their previous outing before the March international break.

Speaking ahead of the game, McKinstry made it clear that Homeboyz have an advantage having played a match last weekend against Tusker in the FKF Cup, a game they won 1-0 in the round of sixteen, but backed his side to rise to the challenge.

“We are largely prepared for the game although Homeboyz have a slight advantage as they played a game last weekend. The first game after the international break is always a challenge. It has been proven elsewhere in bigger leagues,” said the league-winning tactician.

“We are expecting a tough game as it has been the tradition in this fixture. There has never been more than a goal to separate the two teams in recent times. Our boys know what is needed to take three points and we are confident we can do that,” he insisted.

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Tusker ready for Sharks test

The Brewers will be looking to reduce the gap between them and K'Ogalo when they meet Kariobangi Sharks in the early kickoff. Robert Matano's side is eager to put a smile on their fans' faces after a humbling defeat to Homeboyz last weekend.

Speaking to Tusker FC media ahead of the enthralling encounter, striker Eric Kapaito indicated that his team has learnt from misgivings in their defeat and are ready to roar again this Saturday.

“We have pushed each other really well in training this week and the morale is high. It is a good game to play and we are looking to bring in the three vital points. We want to take a game at a time and see what comes of it at the end,” Kapaito stated.

The clash also presents him with an opportunity to face his former employer. Nonetheless, Kapaito insisted that he is focused on helping Tusker grab the three points and add to his goals tally.

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“It is a special game for me to play in because Sharks are a big part of my career. They helped to give me my first Premier League experience and I am looking forward to the game. But the target for us is simple, go and get three points,” the two-time league top scorer insisted.

Bandari keen to add more misery to Ulinzi Stars

In another match, Bandari will travel to Ulinzi Sports Complex to face Ulinzi Stars.

The Dockers return to action after dimming K'Ogalo's light in their previous encounter whereas Ulinzi was thrashed 2-0 by Kakamega Homeboyz in the last outing. That was followed with a 2-1 defeat to Kariobangi Sharks in the Shield Cup.

Saturday's clash offers Antony Kimani's side a chance to return to winning ways and salvage their season as they currently sit 14th on the log with 26 points.

However, Bandari is on a mission to try and stop Gor Mahia's 21st title pursuit. Maximum points will lift them to second place with 46 points.

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Shabana seek revenge against Posta Rangers

Shabana FC will be seeking an act of revenge when they go head-to-head with Posta Rangers at Raila Odinga Stadium, Homabay on Saturday at 3:00 pm.

The last time the two sides met, Posta Rangers emerged winners in a 3-1 goal thriller. 

However, Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo will be looking to guide his side to grab the maximum points and raise their hopes of surviving relegation.

Currently, they sit 17th on the log with 18 points and Shabana has not registered any win in their last five FKFPL games.

Posta Rangers sit 5th on the log with 39 points and are keen for a top-four finish.

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