- Gor lead the standings with 50 points
- They play Homeboyz in Machakos
- Tusker and Bandari are both seven points behind
The top three in the FKF Premier League will face crucial matches on Saturday afternoon, as the race for the title heats up. League leaders Gor Mahia will play the late kick off in Machakos taking on Kakamega Homeboyz while in the early kick off, Tusker FC will play Kariobangi Sharks.
At the Ulinzi Complex, third placed Bandari FC will take on Ulinzi Stars.
Gor Mahia have a seven-point lead on top of the standings and will look to maintain it that way, and even extend it to 10 if Bandari and Tusker fail to win.
But, Gor know they will not have it easy when they take on Homeboyz, who have proved a tough nut to crack for them over the past few games.
Head coach Jonathan McKinstry has admitted his side needs to be at their best to pick maximum points and ensure their race for the title remains with a healthy gap.
“Ever since I came here, this has more or less been a one goal game. They are a very tough team and we expect a tough duel when we play them. They have a slight advantage because they were in competitive action in the Cup last weekend while we have not played in the last three and a half weeks,” said the coach.
He adds; “But we have prepared well and we know what to do and what to expect and everyone is ready for the game.”
Tusker play Sharks in the early kick off
Tusker FC players celebrate a goal in a past match
Meanwhile, Tusker FC will take on Kariobangi Sharks seeking maximum points. A win in the duel will be crucial, especially if the league leaders fail to pick maximum points in their match.
These two teams have met 14 times since Sharks were promoted to the Premier League. Tusker has won seven of those fixtures, thrice at home and four away while they have lost thrice; two away and one at home. Four of the remaining games have ended in draws.
There have been a total of 36 goals scored in this fixture, Sharks scoring 16 and Tusker 20. Tusker’s biggest victory over Sharks was a 4-2 win in October 2021, while Sharks’ biggest win was a 5-2 result in 2018.
The first leg meeting between these two sides ended 1-1 at Ruaraka.
There will be several players facing their former employer. Lead striker Eric Kapaito, goalkeeper Brian Bwire, defenders Daniel Sakari and Tom Teka as well as midfielder Shaphan Siwa will be coming up against their former team.
On the other end, Eric Mmata will be coming up against Tusker, having left in mid-season to rejoin Sharks.
Kapaito looking forward to face Sharks
Tusker striker Eric Kapaito celebrates his goal against KCB
Kapaito says it will be special playing against Sharks, but there will be no room for sentiment as the brewers seek maximum points.
“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,” stated the forward.
Kapaito played for Sharks, winning two golden boots and an MVP award before making the sojourn to Ethiopia.
He played a few minutes of the first leg match that ended 1-1, as he had just started training following his switch to Ruaraka from Arba Minch.
The brewers will be looking to bounce back from the upset of being eliminated in the Cup last weekend, and Kapaito says they are hungry for three points.
Meanwhile, Bandari face their former coach Anthony Kimani as they prey on Ulinzi Stars. The soldiers have had a difficult season and after their Cup exit last Sunday, are keen to get their league ambitions back well on track.
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