Will Leopards pounce this time?

AFC Leopards defender Noah Abich (left) celebrates his goal with team mate Paul Were during their premier league match against Chemelil at Kasarani on Sunday. The teams drew 1-1.

What you need to know:

  • Ingwe dominated the whole of the first leg and there were all indications that they could take the league only for them to collapse in the second round.

The 2013 Kenyan Premier League season kicked off at the weekend and as some teams celebrated their winning starts, others went home with their heads down.

One of the outstanding result was the 3-1 drubbing of Karuturi Sports by newcomers Kakamega Homeboyz. Karuturi were widely expected to capitalise on their 19-year experience in the league to floor Homeboyz.

In Nairobi, KCB remained true to their pace setting tradition. They top the table, at least for now, after their 4-0 victory over hapless City Stars.

The first round of matches provided new AFC Leopards head coach, Tom Olaba, with a reason to worry after their weak start. They once again failed to go past Chemelil Sugar who they have not beaten since 1999, drawing 1-1.

The twelve-time winners Leopards must rediscover their plot if they hope to remain in title contention.

Leopards finished third last season behind Gor Mahia and champions Tusker FC.

Ingwe dominated the whole of the first leg and there were all indications that they could take the league only for them to collapse in the second round.

They should be among title contenders this season if their 2012 run is anything to go by.

But even without poor officiating by centre referee James Kagera, Leopards failed to utilise their chances as their forwards appeared to lose steam quickly.

Olaba may need to borrow from Tusker coach Robert ‘The Lion’ Matano whose now famous clarion call on his players to fight like champions influenced their success.

Going into the final round of matches last season Tusker, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards each had a chance of winning the diadem.

The brewers would prevail with a 3-0 win over Nairobi City Stars as Gor drew 1-1 with a resolute Thika United. Leopards fell 0-1 to the same Chemelil to extend their 14-year wait for the league title.

Re-think strategies

Olaba is thus expected to re-think his strategies as he prepares to host Sony Sugar at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani this Friday.

Homeboyz who were unlikely heroes are second on the log and their coach Fred Serenge will be hoping to carry the same form into their second match when they visit Thika United on March 10.

Alfred Imonje coached Muhoroni Youth who were involved a deadly fight against relegation last season also dimmed Western Stima 2-0. They play KCB at the City Stadium on Friday.

Although a wasteful Sofapaka side escaped with a 1-0 win over Thika United, they may also need to re-strategise when they visit Nakuru to face Whycliffe Ochomo’s Ulinzi Stars on Friday.

Ochomo scored the all important goal during their 1-0 win over comebacks Bandari FC.

Nevertheless, the 2013 season is expected to be fiercely fought than last year.

The gauntlet has been thrown and all the 16 teams are already in the battle field.