The Kenyan Premier League season 2019/20 match week one is set to proceed on Sunday with a very scintillating match between two clubs that share the same fanbase; Kakamega Homeboyz vs AFC Leopards. Concurrently, underdogs; Zoo Kericho vs Chemelil Sugar FC match will also be underway.
Homeboyz vs AFC Leopards
Which side will fans support?
Kakamega Homeboyz will be welcoming AFC Leopards at Bukhungu Stadium at 3.00 pm EAT, a place where ‘Ingwe’ once enjoyed unshared support.
Leopards are among the pioneers in Kenya’s elite competition. But Homeboyz have proven to be a tougher side owing to their last season’s result over the 13-time league winners. Homeboyz were 7th in the season 2018/19 while Leopards were 11th with a difference of 9 points.
Homeboyz will boast of securing the signings of Midfielders John Wonder and Stephen Wakanya, Winger Christopher Masinza, and attacker Stephen Etyang from Nzoia Sugar.
Leopards, on the other side, unveiled 7 new signings to revamp their squad. The players included; Rwandan defender Soter Kayumba, striker Hansel Ochieng, defensive midfielder Tresor Ndikumana, Vincent Habamahoro, defender Robert Mudenyu Ayala, Ugandan goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan, and Malian striker Ismail Diarra.
The two teams will be meeting for the 13th time with Homeboyz looking for their 5th win and Leopards will be keen to confirm their dominance with the 7th win.
Zoo Kericho vs Chemelil
While many will be occupied with Kakamega Homeboyz vs AFC Leopards match, a section of fans will be forced to shift their attention to a match between Zoo Kericho and Chemelil Sugar FC.
The two teams, considered as underdogs will face off at Kericho Green Stadium from 3.00 pm EAT. Zoo and Chemelil experienced a torrid time last season where they got 33 and 32 points respectively, finishing 14th and 15th respectively in the KPL table.
The Rift valley-based side used well the transfer period and signed 15 players to beef up their squad that almost suffered relegation last season.
Among those signed is ex Wazito FC trio of Eugene Ambulwa, Collins Neto and Vincent Misikhu. Others include; Otiso Fredrick, Onchonga Joseph, Danson Kiprono, Festus Mutai, Marende Luvai, Murabwa Matini, Sammy Ggolola (all Zoo Youth), Bernard Arap Too (unattached), Dennis Ongeri ( Posta Rangers), Edwin Namasaka (Unattached), Alex Onchwari – (Chapa Dimba/ Narok), Norman Werunga – (Mt. Kenya United).
Chemelil, on their part, are boasting of the return of their former goalkeeper Daniel Kiptoo. They have also signed many unknown players, though.
The two teams have met in 6 direct matches. Zoo Kericho won 3 direct matches. Chemelil won 2 matches. 1 match ended in a draw.