NAIROBI, Kenya, February 12 – Bukhungu Stadium will be the centre of the Kenya Premier League (KPL) universe this weekend when Western Stima host AFC Leopards on Saturday.An electric encounter is expected at the famous Western Kenya stadium as both teams aim to jumpstart their seasons after falling short last weekend. The fact that Leopards draws its roots from the same region Kenya will add to the spice by making it a local derby.
Stima lost 1-0 to Chemelil Sugar last weekend while Leopards had their first match back in the top tier against Nairobi City Stars at World Hope Centre abandoned after a pitch invasion by fans.
Sofapaka will launch their 2009 season against Ulinzi at the Coca Cola Stadium on Sunday.
The newly promoted club head into the match buoyed by their one all draw against Sudanese giants El-Merreikh and will have to find a way of beating in form Harambee Stars goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng who kept Gor Mahia at bay last weekend.
Bandari hope to bounce back from their 3-0 mauling at the hands of Thika United when they welcome Chemelil at Mbaraki.
Harambee Stars midfielder and Bandari captain Ali Breik will be counted upon to spearhead the coastal side’s to their first win of the season and possibly lift them off the bottom of the standings.
A win or a draw for Chemelil will see Zedekiah Otieno’s team overhaul Thika at the summit of the table at least until Wednesday next week when United Otieno’s former charges Gor.
Sony Sugar travel to Naivasha for a duel with Sher Karuturi after a surprising 1-0 loss to Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) at their Awendo stronghold last Saturday.
Sher drew blanks in their barren draw against defending champions Mathare United and will count on home ground advantage for victory.
In other matches, KCB host Agrochemicals at Ruaraka’s Stima Club while Red Berets entertain former champions Tusker FC at Greensteds.
Fixtures:
Saturday 14, February:
Sher Karuturi v Sony Sugar
Red Berets v Tusker
Western Stima v AFC Leopards
Bandari v Chemelil Sugar
Sunday 15, February:
Sofapaka v Ulinzi
KCB v Agrochemicals