Here is what you need to know about the three-way title race involving Gor Mahia, Tusker and Police.
Record FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia face a battle to retain their title following a mixed first half to the 2024-25 season.
K’Ogalo won last season’s league title in nonchalant version, delivering the title after creating an eight-point margin (73 points) ahead of second-placed Tusker ,who accrued 65 points.
This season though looks a bit tricky for the Green Army who still have a lot of ground to cover in the three-way title race the country is witnessing for the first time in a while.
Pulse Sports takes a look at why the race for the title could be decided on the last day of the season.
1. Gor Mahia’s winning experience –
Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s men are proven serial winners if their performance in the past five seasons is anything to go by. Although not boasting their best season so far, Gor Mahia are in third position in the 18-team league with 28 points, eight behind joint leaders Police and Tusker.
Gor Mahia team manager Victor Nyaoro explains that K’Ogallo will fight until the end in order to defend their title and are unfazed by the threat posed by Police and Tusker.
‘Sirkal’, as the team is fondly known in football circles, know how to end the season strongly. They won eight of their last 10 matches last season, remaining unbeaten during that time.
The second half of the season is normally the part Gor Mahia tend to play their best football and three wins, a draw and a loss each in the past five matches shows signs of rejuvenation as the team chases its 22nd league title.
2. Police’s winning streak
Kenya Police FC have so far outperformed themselves. Nobody expected the law enforcers to top the table at this point but a managerial change has led to an upturn in fortunes for the team.
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Police are in the form of their lives and the win over Bandari puts them firmly in contention for the FKF Premier League title.
This being their third season in the top-flight, Police have displayed maturity and calmness never seen before. Since Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije took over in late November 2024, Police have won 10 of their 11 matches under the experienced tactician.
Police boast the meanest defense in the division, having conceded a meagre nine goals and their expansively assembled squad means that they won’t surrender their lead at the top without a fight.
3. Tusker’s desire to quench four-year thirst
Under the tutelage of former Harambee Starlets coach Charles Okere, The Brewers look reborn and have their eyes set on reclaiming the title they last won during the 2021-22 season when Robert Matano was in charge.
Ryan Ogam has proved a handful for the brewers. The Harambee Stars forward was on Wednesday named the LG/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) for December 2024.
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Mike Kibwage explains what Tusker need to do to avoid missing out on the FKFPL title and previous sour experience.
Ogam, 20, has taken the league by storm in his first season, notching 13 times to lead the scoring charts as Tusker continue to benefit from his heroics to remain in the title race, sitting second on the log. Ogam is the reason why Tusker finally broke their winless duck against Gor Mahia and he could again be the difference in the title race.
4. Defining fixtures
Gor Mahia will play Murang’a SEAL, Ulinzi Stars and Police in their last three matches of the season. Tusker on the other hand will settle scores with Sofapaka, Kariobangi Sharks and Kakamega Homeboyz. Police, meanwhile, have a date with Talanta, Shabana and Gor Mahia. All the three teams face tricky opposition but require grit to overcome the challenge ahead.
With the teams separated by just eight points, although Gor Mahia have played a game less, it remains to be seen who will emerge the winner at the end of the season. Twists, surprises and drama will definitely be expected but all pointers indicate that the title race will go down to the wire.
