Homeboyz, Rangers shine on return to top league

The first matches of the 2016 SportPesa Premier League season last weekend were marked with thrills for newly-promoted teams.

Posta Rangers and Kakamega Homeboyz announced their return to the topflight with wins in their home games. They are second and third, respectively, on the log.
Homeboyz beat Western Stima 2-1 at Mumias Sports Complex, while Rangers hit Muhoroni Youth 2-0.

Striker Timothy Otieno opened his 2016 account with a brace for Rangers, after spending most of his two-year stay on the fringes at Gor Mahia.

Little-known striker Keiphas Mutuu and former Bandari forward Ali Bhai scored a goal apiece for Homeboyz.

“Each of the boys deserves a pat on the back. They played well. I am confident of good perform this season. Otieno was phenomenal, just like I expected. He is one of the best strikers,” said Rangers coach Zedekiah Otieno.

OFFLOADING 21 PLAYERS

The 2009 league champions Sofapaka defeated Ushuru 3-1 at Kenyatta National Stadium in Machakos. The David Ouma-coached side had widely criticised for offloading 21 players then recruiting 25. However, “Batoto ba Mungu” lead the league standings this season.

In the final match of the weekend, Mathare United held AFC Leopards to a 1-1 draw during a thrilling match at Nyayo National Stadium.

Ingwe coach Jan Koops paraded 14 new players in his starting line up that included Clifton Miheso.

Leopards fought from a goal down to hold Francis Kimanzi’s Mathare United 1-1. Koops said the result was fair for his side, especially considering that Ingwe had less than five weeks of pre-season training.

Kimanzi switched central defender Dennis Orenge to the left back as a cover for Robinson Kamura, who has been sidelined by injury for three months.

“The first game is important, as it gives me a clear picture of the players’ ability, the kind of tactics that could work and the general aspects of the games,” said Kimanzi.

Tusker beat Thika United 2-1, while 10-man Ulinzi held Sony Sugar 0-0.