Tusker are champs, let’s drink to that

• Ulinzi let the title slip through their fingers as Tusker brewed victory with enviable artistry

They had mixed fortunes in the league. At some point, Chemelil were relegation candidates. Then they sacked coach Nick Yakhama and brought in Edward Manoah who signed striker Victor Ochieng and soon, Chemelil were winning all their games. Then the slump began and they dropped points in their last five matches to find themselves mid table.  Their star player: Victor Ochieng.

Karuturi Sports

They started the season well but went through a bad period towards the end going nine matches without a win which eventually cost coach James Nandwa his job. Problem with Karuturi was lack of depth as any slight injury affected the squad. Key player: James Omondi.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB)

The Bankers are always good at the beginning of the season, then they lose steam. It has been their story over the last three years and this season was no different. They went five games unbeaten at the start of the season but started to slump and at some point were staring at relegation. Their Achilles heel is always failing to maintain tempo.  Star player: Clifford Alwanga.

Thika United

Thika’s belied they can win with young inexperienced players has continued to hurt their title ambitions. The side has been inconsistent from the start of the season and, despite enjoying multi-million sponsorship from Brookeside, they have failed to deliver. They showed some flashes of brilliance in beating Tusker, but finishing in the bottom half is a failure considering the investment put in the club. Key player: Moses Arita.

Western Stima

For some time, Stima were unbeatable at home but this season they have been weak at home and have dropped points away despite having one of the most experienced sides. Pre-season confusion in the selection of players affected the team. There was also confusion over coach Henry Omino’s contract.  Key player: Fred Nyarombo.

Mathare United

They have been going downhill since winning the league in 2008. Maybe Kenyans are seeing the last of Mathare United, which is going through serious financial problems. The club is losing players every transfer window and, despite a good base in their youth association, without money they are doomed to fail. Failure to look into players’ welfare has been the reason for their downfall. Key player: Kevin Kimani.

Nairobi City Stars

A last-gasp 4-2 win earned them the survival tag. but they will look back at a season they struggled yet they beat bigwigs Gor, Sofapaka and Ulinzi Stars. City Stars must solve their finanlcial problems to remain afloat. Their key player was Dan Sserunkuma.

Bandari

They seemed likely to survive after beating Thika 1-0 at home last weekend but, after the barren draw in Chemelil, they had to go. Key player: Ivo Mapunda.

Congo United

Was relegation material from day one and even wins over Gor in Nairobi and Leopards in Mombasa were just flashes. Their controversial entry into the league did not help matters and their performance proved they were not KPL material, though in Ramadhan Salim they had one of the best players in the league.