- Tusker lost the title by a single point last season
- They start their campaign against Bandari in Mombasa
- Gor play Sofapaka, Police face Sharks in other matches
Tusker FC assistant captain Michael Kibwage has rallied his teammates to ensure they kick off their FKF Premier League campaign on a high, as they take on Bandari FC in Mombasa tomorrow.
Kibwage says the team has had a good pre-season and wants a positive start to the campaign, though he admits it will not be easy against the dockers at their backyard.
“We know that we are going to play a very good team. They have good players and most of the times at their backyard in Mombasa, they are very hard to beat. But we want to do our best to come off with the best result from here,” said Kibwage.
The brewers missed out on the league title by a point last season, and Kibwage says they are keen to make amends and do better this term.
He says winning the first match of the season, especially away from home will be key, as they look to fight for the title again.
“We have had a very good pre-season, we have also had some new players coming in and they have gelled quite well so we expect a good start,” noted the defender.
Meanwhile in other season opening matches Gor Mahia will take on Sofapaka in one of the massive matches of the weekend.
Gor looking to start season positively
Gor Mahia players celebrate winning the FKF Charity Shield match
Gor are looking to start the season positively, while Sofapaka, having heavily invested in overhauling the squad as well as the technical bench, are seeking a good start to the season.
Under new Burundian coach Francis Harigingo, Sofapaka have brought in a massive 19 new players and it will not be the easiest of tasks against a solid Gor side.
“Our ambition is to take Sofapaka back where it was and make it a competitive team. This is a big team and one which should be fighting for trophies every season. This will be our ambition this season,” said Harigingo after he was unveiled as the new coach.
Meanwhile, Kenya Police FC head coach Francis Baraza is wary of a tough Kariobangi Sharks side, as the two sides prepare to clash in the opening fixture of the FKF Premier League.
Police have had a good pre-season, adding on to some quality signings, and are looking to battle for the league title this season.
Baraza says they are ready to open their season successfully.
Trained and prepared well
Kenya Police FC players during a past training session
“I believe we have trained really well and the players are ready. The new guys who came in have really integrated well and we are ready for the season,” said Baraza.
“We have our targets and that is to fight for the title because we have everything necessary. Now it is for us to do the job on the pitch,” he added.
Police finished third last season and are keen to make an improvement, and battle for the crown. They have had a pleasant pre-season, playing friendly matches in Tanzania and Rwanda, games that gave them a good picture of their season.
Against Sharks, they are in for a tough duel, with the youthful side coached by William Muluya. Baraza is wary of the challenge that awaits them but says they are ready.
“I have watched them and they have a very good youthful team with a good coach. It will be a tough and interesting game but we are ready,” said the tactician.
In another fixture, Ulinzi Stars play away to Nzoia Sugar in Bungoma.
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