Record 21-time Kenya Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia and Kenya Police return to the local league this weekend after a poor continental campaign.
Gor kick off their title defence against Mathare United at Machakos Stadium as Police FC face a stern test against Tusker FC at Police Complex on Saturday.
K'Ogalo and Kenya Police missed the first three weeks of KPL action to focus on Caf competitions.
K'Ogalo fell 3-0 to Al Ahly in the second-round preliminary in Cairo to exit the campaign on a 6-0 aggregate while Police were tossed out on a 3-1 aggregate after losing 2-1 in the return leg to Zamalek in the Confederations Cup.
Gor captain Philemon Otieno believes they did their best and commended his troops for hoping down fighting.
“We just returned to the continental stage after three years and played against the best in Africa. Ahly are the defending champions and are on another level. They punished all our mistakes in the first leg and we have learned our lessons,” Otieno said.
Mathare United have always been a hard nut to crack for Gor despite returning to the top flight after testing the National Super League last season.
Otieno expects a tough battle against the Slum Boys led by experienced coach John Kamau.
“Mathare have always been a tricky customer and we have to be at our best to get maximum points from them. As much as we are well prepared, we expect a tough battle,” Otieno added.
Gor have no new injury scares save for goalkeeper Kelvin Omondi, who was replaced by Gad Mathews against Ahly last weekend after suffering a shoulder injury.
Gor also welcomed back their former striker Samuel Onyango who rejoined from Police after s stint with Zambian side, Kabwe Warriors.
Meanwhile, Police FC captain Musa Mohammed rued missed chances against the Egyptians.
The former Gor skipper led Gor Mahia to multiple league titles including the 2015 season unbeaten before leaving.
“We were the better side in Nairobi and we would have completed the tie at Nyayo Stadium if we had taken our chances. We are back home and will be seeking victory against another title contender Tusker FC this weekend. I am confident we can beat them but it won't be easy,” Musa said.
Police expect midfielder Brian Musa to return from an ankle injury.
Gor are chasing their record-extending 22nd KPL league title while the law enforcers are seeking their maiden title at the back of clinching their first domestic title last season.
Former Harambee stars head coach Jacob Ghost Mulee has tipped Gor Mahia to defend their KPL title but thinks Police FC will push them close.