With the resumption of the second leg for the FKF Premier League 2023/24 season, different matches were held across the country over the weekend, witnessing pulsating results.
Defending champions Gor Mahia FC proved their dominance once again after recording another win against Kariobangi Sharks in the televised match at Machakos Stadium. Chris Ochieng’s stoppage time goal was all K’ogalo needed to maintain their unbeaten record this season, so far at 18 matches.
The win maintained their top position on the standings, creating a 7-point gap ahead of Nicholas Muyoti’s side Nairobi City Stars who are second placed with 33 points. Currently enjoying good form with 7 wins on the run, ‘Simba wa Nairobi’ won 1-0 against mailmen Posta Rangers and will be keen on giving Gormahia a run for their money as the title race takes shape.
Having unlocked the puzzle seemingly, legendary tactician Robert Matano spearheaded Tusker’s impressive form with a 3-1 win over ‘Batoto ba Mungu’ Sofapaka in a highly contested match at Machakos Stadium. The brewers are now 9 points shy of the top table.
At Sudi stadium, the “Pamzo Effect” seems to have gained momentum as the Gusii based side recorded a whooping 5-2 win against struggling Nzoia Sugar, in what was the highest-scoring match of Round 18. On the other hand, Jaffari Owiti’s goal is only what a resurging AFC Leopards needed to collect the much-needed 3 points at Mamboleo Stadium.
Vote For your Coach of the Week for Matchweek 18#FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/atsz9e5p4D
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) January 15, 2024
JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW OPENED
Many clubs will be seeking to bolster their squads in the second leg, after the official opening of the January transfer window which was opened on Monday, January 8, 2024, for the FKF Premier League and closes on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 1700 hrs.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) noted that during the transfer period, only players whose transfers and/or registrations will be completed by Wednesday of every week shall be eligible to play in the weekend matches, with the same dates applying to international transfers.
Further regarding the transfer window, in a press statement released to the media on Thursday, 11th January, the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA), a Union whose mandate is to protect the rights and welfare of professional football players, expressed deep concerns over the rising cases of disregard for contractual obligations by football clubs, warning that the trend poses a threat to the well-being of their members and development of the game.
KEFWA stated that it was wary of a disconcerting trend in the Kenyan football industry where there has been a surge in the simultaneous release of professional players by clubs during the January transfer window, resulting in a flooded market of unemployed talent.
“This alarming practice where clubs release multiple players at once not only undermines the integrity of the game but also puts the livelihoods of numerous players at risk. These professionals have devoted their lives to the sport and now face uncertainty and joblessness”, stated KEFWA president James Situma.
Round 18 Full Results
Saturday, January 13th, 2024
Gor Mahia 1 vs Kariobangi Sharks 0 (Machakos Stadium)
Kakamega Homeboyz 0 vs Bandari 0 (Bukhungu Stadium)
Sunday, January 14th, 2024
Bidco United 0 vs Kenya Police 1 (Thika Stadium)
Tusker 3 vs Sofapaka 1 (Machakos Stadium)
Muhoroni Youth 0 vs AFC Leopards 1 (Mambo Leo Stadium)
Nzoia Sugar 2 vs Shabana 5 (Sudi Stadium)
Nairobi City Stars 1 vs Posta Rangers 0 (Ruaraka Grounds)
Murang’a Seal 0 vs Talanta 1 (Sportpesa Arena)
Ulinzi Stars 0 vs KCB 0 (Ulinzi Sports Complex)
