Promoted FKF National Super League sides will face tricky fixtures on Match Day One of the second-tier league this weekend.
On Saturday, Rainbow FC will host Caleb Aringa’s Darajani Gogo at Kasarani Annex while Dimba Patriots, formerly Mwatate United, will battle Naivas FC at The Wolves Den in Olooloitikosh in Kajiado county.
On Sunday, another promoted side, Nairobi United — under coach Paul Okatwa — will face regular campaigners Kibera Black Stars at Ligi Ndogo grounds as Luanda Villa host Mombasa Elites at Mumboha grounds in Vihiga county.
In other games scheduled for Saturday, Mully Children’s Family (MCF) will be up against SS Assad at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos as Gusii FC welcome Vihiga Bullets at Awendo Green Stadium in Migori county.
Vihiga Bullets announced the return of former Tusker assistant coach George Owoko as their head coach.
Vihiga United and Kajiado FC will battle it out at Mumias Sports Complex. United got a major boost this week after Fifa lifted their transfer ban.
The club have, unfortunately, until Friday to register new players. Last season, the club played the entire season with only 13 players.
Mathare United start their journey back to the Kenyan Premier League on Sunday when they travel to Migori for an encounter against promotion-seeking Migori Youth at Migori Stadium. Migori Stadium is a hostile hunting ground for visiting teams. Last season, Migori Youth did not lose at home.
Mara Sugar, under coach Francis Xavier, will be away in Mombasa for an encounter against Coastal Heroes while Kisumu All Stars will be at home to Silibwet Leones at Moi Stadium, Kisumu.
Xavier is expecting an improved performance after finishing fourth last season.
“We narrowly missed a playoff slot last season. We are targeting a top-two position this time around. We want automatic qualification,” said Xavier. “We have had a good pre-season and signed quality players.”
Twenty teams will contest in the Super League with two gaining automatic promotion while the third-placed team will go through a promotion playoff.
The three bottom-placed sides will be relegated to the third tier. Shabana and Murang’a Seal gained direct promotion to the Kenyan Premier League last season.
