Tusker open title defence against Nzoia United, Gor tackle Kariobangi Sharks

After weeks of anxious waiting, the Kenyan Premier League Limited have now released provisional fixtures for the 2017 season.

Nakumatt, Nzoia, Kariobangi Sharks and Zoo Kericho, who were promoted from the lower tier to make up an expanded 18-team league, have been included in the revised fixtures that have March 11 as the kick off date for the new season.

As a precursor to the new league season, Gor Mahia and Tusker will face off in the Kenyan Premier League Super Cup tomorrow at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

Sponsors DStv have withdrawn their title sponsorship for this year’s Super Cup and the match will not be televised as has been the case in previous years.

Troubled Muhoroni Youth and Sofapaka, who were relegated at the beginning of this year from the top tier for failing to comply with club licensing rules, have been excluded from the new fixtures.

KPL Chief Executive Officer Jack Oguda said that his office was holding onto the fixtures while awaiting the Sports Disputes Tribunal’s decision on the fate of the two relegated clubs.

He also explained that the fixtures could change depending on the outcome of the tribunal’s ruling on Muhoroni and Sofapaka.

“The fixtures were ready long ago, but we couldn’t make them public when there was a case going on in court. That is why we asked the SDT to give us their position on the relegation of the two clubs as well as the promotion of Vihiga United and KCB before we could make any further move,” Oguda said.

“The tribunal has said that the two cases will be heard at a different date and that is why we have released the temporary fixtures.”

Only Chemelil, Muhoroni, Afraha and Mbaraki, Mumias and Moi Stadium have been assigned fixtures, and most of the matchups have not been allocated venues yet.

Reigning league champions Tusker will host newly promoted side Nzoia United at a yet to be disclosed venue on Saturday March 11, while runners up Gor Mahia have a date with Kariobangi Sharks away the following day at a venue which will be communicated later.

AFC Leopards will be up against Ulinzi Stars on Saturday as Sony Sugar and Chemelil Sugar face off at the Awendo Green Stadium.

However, Leopards may have to wait longer for their first competitive match of the season as their opening day opponents Ulinzi will be in Egypt that weekend for their Caf Confederation Cup first leg match of their first round tie against Smouha.

On Sunday, fans in Nakuru will be treated to the first competitive action this season where 15-time league winners Gor Mahia will battle with defending champions Tusker at Afraha.

This will be in the Super Cup which is traditionally held on the weekend preceding the new season pitting the reigning league champions against the team that won the GOtv Shield.

The match had been initially slated for January 29 at the Nyayo National Stadium, but was postponed indefinitely after a standoff pitting the league organisers and Football Kenya Federation over the composition of the top flight.

FIXTURES

Saturday March 11

Tusker v Nzoia United TBA 3pm

Bandari v Nakumatt at Mbaraki 3pm

Kakamega Homeboyz v Team Y at Mumias 3pm

AFC Leopards v Ulinzi Stars* TBA 3pm

Zoo Kericho v Posta Rangers TBA 3pm

Sunday

Mathare United v Thika United 2pm TBA

Kariobangi Sharks v Gor Mahia 4:15 TBA

SoNy Sugar v Chemelil Sugar in Awendo 3pm

Western Stima v Team X in Kisumu