FKF-PL: Mathare United face Shabana test as golden boot race heats up

Mathare United FC players line up before a match at Dandora Stadium. [JonahOnyango, Standard]

With 14 matches played so far, the FKF Premier League's race for the Golden Boot is proving to be an intense contest, headlined by Tusker's Ryan Ogam, who has surged ahead with an impressive 12 goals.

The brewing battle for second place pits KCB's Francis Kahiro and Shabana's Brian Michira, who are tied at seven goals. Both players will play pivotal roles for their teams this weekend as the league enters a crucial phase.

KCB, Tusker, and Kenya Police are separated by just a point at the top, promising a thrilling title race.

Just like the title race, the battle to survive relegation continues to heat up with Posta Rangers, Ulinzi Stars and Bidco United all involved.

Bandari’s Beja Nyamawi and Kakamega Homeboyz’s Moses Shumah are also chasing the Golden Boot after scoring six goals each.

But their consistency will be tested, with Bandari set to take on AFC Leopards and Kakamega Homeboyz facing Kenya Police.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Gor Mahia’s Austine Odhiambo, and Mathew Tegisi who has reportedly left Shabana for Tanzanian club Pamba Jiji FC, have five goals each.

In goalkeeping, Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and KCB’s Farouk Shikhalo lead the pack with seven clean sheets each. Both will aim to extend their dominance when the bankers face Mara Sugar, while Bandari travels to Nairobi for a showdown with Ingwe.

Police’s Patrick Matasi, currently on six clean sheets, is also in the mix, as he prepares to thwart Kakamega Homeboyz’s attack.

Mathare United’s Michael Wanyika, tied with four other goalkeepers at five clean sheets, will have his work cut out when his struggling side hosts high-flying Shabana.

James Ssetuba (Kakamega Homeboyz), Felix Adoyo (Mara Sugar FC), and Morgan Ambuka (Murang'a SEAL) share the spotlight, with each looking to fortify their teams' defensive records this weekend.

A key highlight of today’s fixtures will be Mathare United hosting Shabana at Dandora Stadium at 4:00 pm.

The two teams are heading into the match in contrasting form. Mathare is winless in their last five matches, languishing in 13th place with just 16 points. Shabana, on the other hand, are on a four-match unbeaten streak and sit in sixth place, only four points behind leaders KCB.

Mathare’s defensive vulnerabilities, with 25 goals conceded, will be tested against Shabana’s goal-poaching prowess, spearheaded by Brian Michira.

Shabana will view this as an opportunity to consolidate their position in the league and close the gap on the leaders.

Earlier in the day, Posta Rangers will face Tusker at Kenyatta Stadium at 1:00 pm.

Posta, sitting bottom of the table with 11 points, faces the unenviable task of stopping Tusker’s attacking juggernaut, led by Ryan Ogam.

Saturday's FKF Premier League fixtures

Posta Rangers v Tusker- Kenyatta Stadium, 1pm

Kenya Police v Kakamega Homeboyz- Kenyatta Stadium, 4pm

Bidco United v Sofapaka- Dandora Stadium, 1pm

Mathare United v Shabana- Dandora Stadium, 4pm

KCB v Mara Sugar- Sportspesa Arena, 3pm