Kenya Police has risen from the ruins of relegation to the summit of the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League as they seek their maiden league title.
Under the tutelage of the Burundian tactician, Etienne Ndayiragije, the law enforcers are on a 10-unbeaten run taking them atop the table on 36 points after 18 matches.
The run continued at the Awendo Green Stadium on Sunday when Clinton Kinanga’s strike against Mara Sugar allowed them to reclaim top spot with a narrow 1-0 win.
Tusker forming the two-horse race
Tusker who have been perennial title challengers for the past three seasons are joint top only bettered by Police on goal difference, also continued their fine form with a one nil win over Ulinzi Stars.
Charles Okere, who took over veteran and no-nonsense coach Robert Matano, has carried on admirably from where Matano left, racking up 11 wins thus far, as well as drawing thrice and losing four times.
Pivotal to the Brewers’ title run has been 20-year-old Ryan Ogam who tops the scoring chart with 15 goals.
Chrispine Erambo netted the winning goal in the 55th minute on Saturday at the Dandora Stadium against Ulinzi Stars to send the 13-time champions top of the log at least for 24-hours.
Gor relinquishing title?
Meanwhile, defending champions Gor Mahia dropped points once again, after a stalemate draw against Kakamega Homeboyz at the Mumias Sports Complex on Sunday.
The was match was filled with controversy after Homeboyz’ 78th minute goal was ruled out for offside leaving fans and journalists debating whether the decision was right.
The draw left them third on the log eight points adrift of Police with a game in hand. Recent results are sure to have the K’Ogalo faithful’s worried about the team’s prospect of a 22nd league title – and a third successive one.
A section of fans has been calling for the recruitment of a foreign tactician to replace interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, who took over from Brazilian Leo Neiva in November. Zico has six wins, three draws and three loses to his name.
Even though the gap between them and Police has widened to eight points, there is still a lot of games to be played before K’Ogalo can be ruled out of the race.
Ingwe dreams valid?
Also muscling themselves in the title conversation are AFC Leopards who played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Murang’a Seal at the Dandora Stadium on Saturday.
The 12-time league champions can be frustrating at times, as was the case over the weekend when they failed to convert their chances.
After Tusker (with 31 goals), they have been the second highest scorers with 26.
They lie sixth with 26 points, 10 less than Police; nonetheless, head coach Fred Ambani believes it is too early to throw in the towel.
“We will fight to the end. I believe we can cut the gap and catch up to the leaders. I don’t believe the gap is too big for us…we only need to win three games and for them to lose and we are closer to them,” the former Ingwe striker said.
Darlings of the league
Meanwhile, Shabana continued with their good run with a 1-0 win over Sofapaka at the Dandora Stadium on Sunday.
Ever since he took over from Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo in November last year, Peter Okidi has proven his case for a permanent role as head coach.
The former Nakuru All-Stars tactician has mustered seven wins and three draws while losing only twice in the 12 matches he has been in charge.
Promoted to the top tier in the last season, the Glamour Boys struggled to adapt to the rigors of the Premier League but nonetheless, breathed new life on the scene with their vociferous fans – rivalled only by those of Gor and Leopards.
Their fans are finally being rewarded this season with positive results on the pitch, which have hoisted Tore Bobe to fifth on the log with 27 points.
In particular, they have turned their Gusii Stadium into a fortress, making it hard for teams to come away with victory.
Their last loss at the ground was a 1-0 defeat to Nairobi City Stars on 3 November.
Football Kenya Federation Premier League weekend results.
Bandari vs Nairobi City Stars: 1-0
Kariobangi Sharks vs Bidco United: 1-1
Posta Rangers vs Talanta FC: 2-1
