This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
On Monday, Everton players returned to the pitch for pre-season training, marking the end of their month-long break following the conclusion of the 2018/2019 English Premier League season.
The team is gearing up for a friendly match against Kariobangi Sharks at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, on Sunday.
According to photos posted on the club's social media pages, the squad, including England international Theo Walcott, was spotted walking towards the Finch Farm training grounds in Liverpool.
"It's been a while, glad to be back. I am looking forward to pre-season and what the season ahead brings," defender Mason Holgate tweeted.
Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks continued their preparations at the Utalii grounds training base along Thika road, with the team announcing former AFC Leopards midfielder Ezekiel Seda as its new senior team assistant coach.
"Seda shall deputise coach William (Muluhya) in what is his first managerial role. We look forward to his contribution to the project at our club," the club stated.
Everton's visit to Nairobi marks the third meeting between the English Premier League side and a Kenyan club, with the previous two encounters against Gor Mahia resulting in 2-1 and 4-0 victories for Everton.
Star players including Leighton Baines, Yerry Mina, Ademola Lookman, Maarten Stekelenburg, and new signing Andre Gomes are expected to make the trip to Nairobi, a first by an EPL club in two and a half decades.
Sharks earned the right to face Everton after winning the eight-team regional SportPesa Cup earlier this year.
