This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
The Kenyan Premier League kicked off on a thrilling note, with a mix of results from the first game week. The league, which will run until mid-next year, is already showing signs of intense competition.
Defending champions Gor Mahia set the tone for the season, thrashing Tusker 5-2 at Moi Stadium Nakuru. The team's strong performance was a testament to their ability to adapt to the loss of key players at the end of last season.
Striker Jacques Tuyisenge's departure was compensated by Nicholas Kipkurui's impressive performance, while Francis Kahata's exit paved the way for Kenneth Muguna to control the team's play. The two players impressed in the match against Tusker and other KPL teams should be on the lookout for them.
As the title currently stands, Gor Mahia has a strong chance to move away from the rest of the teams on the table before they begin traveling for continental fixtures. However, fatigue may play a part at that time, and they may struggle through KPL fixtures.
Other league favorites, such as Wazito FC, Mathare United, Bandari FC, and AFC Leopards, struggled through their fixtures. Wazito FC, in particular, experienced the same fate as AFC Leopards, with both teams needing time for their new players to jell.
Bandari FC, on the other hand, needs to refine their attacking formation before continental matches come around. The team's performance against Mathare United did not match up to continental standards, and they failed to find the back of the net.
Meanwhile, KCB and Zoo Kericho surpassed most people's expectations during the first gameweek, with KCB thrashing Sony Sugar 3-0 and Zoo Kericho dominating their match against Chemelil Sugar, winning 3-1. However, the question remains whether they can keep up their impressive performance.
Lastly, new entrants Kisumu All-Stars played their first Kenya Premier League match on Saturday, but were welcomed quite harshly by the experienced teams. The team needs to improve their style of play to match the KPL and may just survive relegation.
