The much-awaited Kenyan Premier League season comes alive this weekend with nine matches lined up.
Football enthusiasts are crossing their fingers in the hope of new dawn devoid of the pitfalls that characterised the preceding season.
AFC Chairman Dan Shikanda and his Gor Mahia counterpart Ambrose Rachier on Wednesday painted the grim reality that defined their torrid journey, both summarising it as one they would wish to forget instantly.
They both have a valid reason to experience trepidation after the 2021-2022 competition suffered a huge setback mainly occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. The scourge, they said, tore into the financial health of the clubs and left the players counting losses.
Indeed, there were incidents whereby a significant number of players were evicted from their homes owing to unpaid rent. Some were dumped by their spouses after failing to meet their financial needs.
Hopefully, match officials will also up their game after they came under heavy censure from local tacticians. Of equal concern was the availability and quality of pitches.
Eventually, though, the clubs managed to wade through the murky waters and Tusker ran away with the title for the first time since 2016.
The brewers will look to shake off aspersions cast on their glory and possibly prove that their victory wasn't merely by fluke. They have an arduous task at hand against 13-time champions AFC Leopards at Thika Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The den is currently in a mess and coach Robert Matano's charges are expected to cruise past the cash-strapped felines, whose coach has been missing since early July. Leopards, who are yet to raise a complete squad after the departure of key players, have organised a fundraiser at a Nairobi hotel on Saturday in a frantic eleventh-hour attempt to bail themselves out.
Last year's runners-up KCB also have a battle and a half ahead as they open their account against immediate former champions, Gor Mahia, also at Thika Stadium on Saturday. It will be a mouthwatering clash that will precede one between Posta Rangers and Kariobangi Sharks.
Gor head into the match high on confidence after bolstering their playing unit with seven new top-notch acquisitions including Boniface Omondi, who returns to the fold after a lackadaisical stint with rivals Wazito.
All eyes will be on the three debutants, FC Talanta, Vihiga Bullets and Kenya Police. While the first two secured direct promotion slots after finishing top and second respectively, the law enforcers barged past Vihiga United in the grueling two-legged play-off.
Talanta face a baptism of fire against Wazito at Ruaraka grounds on Saturday while their counterparts, Vihiga Bullets, gauge their mettle against Bidco United at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
Kenya Police dare Kakamega Homeboyz to a battle at Bukhungu on Sunday while coastal side, Bandari, will flex muscles with Mathare United at Mbaraki Stadium on Saturday.
Nairobi City Stars travel to Wundanyi to square if off with hosts Sofapaka on Sunday while Ulinzi Stars will lock horns with Nzoia Sugar at ASK Grounds.