Matchday 33 of the Kenyan Premier League had its a fair share of drama, celebrations, goals, and tears. We are now at the business end with only one more match to play before the season ends. Here are the main talking points from week 33 of the Kenyan Premier League.
Adios Vihiga United
Vihiga United’s stay in the Kenyan Premier League was brought to an end by a 2-1 home loss against Western Stima. Vihiga has had a very poor campaign and should they fail to register a win in their last match, they will end the season as the team with the fewest wins in the league(4).
Mount Kenya United was relegated weeks ago but have 5 wins which is one more then Vihiga. It just shows how ba they were this season and are deserving of relegation.
Chemelil in serious trouble
Francis Barza’s side lost to Mathare United, a result that left them in the dreaded relegation playoff position on the log. They are no longer masters of their own destinies as far as survival is guaranteed and will need to better Zoo Kericho’s result in their last match or else they will play a two-legged tie with the 3rd best team from the National Super League. Win that match and they will be playing in the Top flight next season, lose and it is curtains for them. Tough times!
Gor Mahia in clear celebratory mood
With the league done and dusted for the record Champions, not much else is at stake and that much is clear in the way they are playing. A Gor Mahia side in search of points would not have drawn 2 consecutive matches against teams battling relegation.
Hassan Oktay’s side drew against already relegated Vihiga United in midweek and again against Posta Rangers who are not quite safe yet. The Champions are coasting through matches in a relaxed manner but who can blame them when they have won the league thrice in a row?
Kariobangi Sharks finally looking like a top team
Beating the bottom side in the league is not something to write home about but Kariobangi Sharks badly needed a win. There were positive signs in their epic comeback against Ulinzi Stars in midweek and against Mount Kenya United, Sharks played the best football they have this season.
They had run out of sorts ever since they won the SportPesa Super Cup, going without a win in 12 matches but William Muluhya’s side is finally looking like a top team once more.
AFC Leopards. AGAIN!
For a brief period this season, AFC Leopards looked like they had found something to build on. The arrivals of Paul Were and David Cheche Ochieng revitalized the club and they even went on an 8 match unbeaten run. However, one win in seven, against the league’s punching bag (MKU) does not represent progress at any level.
Cassa Mbungo’s side was easily dismissed by Tusker FC over the weekend and are not looking like a team that will challenge next season, AGAIN! Changes will have to be made before AFC Leopards can go back to where they should, challenging for the league crown.