We are in the middle of the second International Break this season. Local leagues globally are all at a standstill as players go back home to represent their respective nationalities.
This gives us the perfect opportunity to revisit and look at the key talking points from the Kenya Premier League so far. There have been five matchdays that have produced endless drama and action.
Below, are the main talking points.
Gor Mahia the team to beat
Steven Pollack’s side is top of the table with 12 points having played a match less than all other teams except bottom place Chemelil Sugar. Gor Mahia has a 100% record scoring ten goals while conceding just three in the process.
The defending champions have laid down a marker early on and it is clear that anyone competing for the title will have Gor Mahia at the back of their minds all through the season.
Other contenders
If Gor Mahia is the team to beat, there are two teams that could actually beat them to the title this season. One has to be last season’s runners up Bandari United who have been impressive despite losing their last match to Sofapaka.
Bernard Mwalala’s team is making progress continentally and is one step away from qualifying for the CAF Confederations Cup group stages for the first time in their history. An improvement from last season’s position will basically see them crowned as Champions comeMay next year.
Robert Matano’s Tusker is the other team. Tusker is currently just two points behind Gor Mahia on the table and has won their past 3 matches including a morale-boosting 3-1 win away to Kakamega Homeboyz. Also worth noting that the only team to win the league in the last 7 years apart from Gor Mahia is Tusker FC.
Chemelil in big trouble
5 matches, no wins and no points for bottom-placed Chemelil Sugar. Francis Baraza’s side is playing like a team that knows they do not belong in the topflight and the results are befitting of their performances.
Unless some drastic changes occur, Chemelil will be in the National Super League next season and could have to endure some embarrassing statistics on their way there!
SportPesa’s Impact being Felt
Following the withdrawal of the League’s Sponsorship by the giant betting firm, SportPesa, Kenya Premier League clubs are suffering big time!
Sony Sugar was forced to hand AFC Leopards a walkover on day five after failing to raise enough funds to honor the fixture. Oh, and AFC Leopards players had been on strike prior to the fixture due to unpaid salaries and allowances. This will be a serious thorn to the league and the early signs are that the ussie will not be dealt with anytime soon.