Football fans across Kenya are eagerly anticipating the start of the FKFPL 23/24 season, and with good reason! The fixtures for the upcoming season promise to deliver thrilling encounters, heated rivalries, and the return of some legendary teams. Let’s take a closer look at the fixtures to watch out for in the highly anticipated season, along with some historical context.
Shabana’s Triumphant Return:
Shabana FC, the legendary Kisii-based club, is making a triumphant return to the top flight after an 18-year absence. Shabana has a rich history and was once a formidable force in Kenyan football. Their match against AFC Leopards in the past defined one of the most dramatic moments in the Premier League. Their victory denied Ingwe the title and left the star-studded team settling for a distant fourth position. As Shabana returns to the top-tier, they will be eager to rekindle their past glory and prove that they belong in the big league once again.
SHABANA FC 2023
— Kanyingi Njoroge (@kanyinginjoroge) July 26, 2023
Shabana FC won this year's National Super League to earn their promotion to the Kenya Premier League. The 2023/24 season kicks off next month.
They last featured in the premier league 17 years ago (2006).
The club was formed in 1980. pic.twitter.com/3sjRRWltL2
Wazito FC’s Transformation:
Wazito FC, a club with a 12-year history, has undergone a significant transformation. The Football Kenya Federation approved their name change request, and going forward, the team will be known as Muhoroni Youth FC. Wazito FC had a rather tumultuous history, facing financial challenges and management issues. The Kenyan outfit said sponsors were unfamiliar with the name, and with the change in ownership & location, went through with the change. The real Muhoroni Youth vacated their second division status to Darajani Gogo FC. The decision to rebrand as Muhoroni Youth FC comes with renewed hope for a fresh start. Muhoroni Youth FC will be looking to create a new legacy in the FKFPL under their new banner and distance themselves from the previous struggles.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has approved a request by Wazito FC to change its name to Muhoroni Youth FC.
— TV47 (@tv47news) July 28, 2023
The club that was originally known as Muhoroni Youth FC was in existence until last year when it sold its National Super League (NSL) slot to Darajani Gogo.
So until… pic.twitter.com/tUjpYgHEEV
AFC Leopards’ Heartbreak and Hope:
AFC Leopards’ heartbreaking loss to Shabana many years ago still remains etched in the memories of their fans. That match denied the star-studded Ingwe the title, and since 1998, they haven’t been able to recapture the Premier League crown. The historic league was fiercely fought to the very last day between AFC Leopards, Utalii FC, Gor Mahia, and Mumias Sugar. AFC Leopards, perched at the top of the table, only needed one point to clinch the title against Shabana, who were rooted at the bottom of the table. Shabana, under Danish coach Flemming Jacobsen, emerged as a tough opponent for the heavyweights and secured an unexpected victory. As AFC Leopards faces Shabana once again this season, the stakes are high, and fans will be hoping for a different outcome. Additionally, their clash against Gor Mahia is always a battle of the giants, making it a must-watch fixture.
Murang’a Seal’s Unique Approach:
As Murang’a Seal gears up for their maiden FKFPL campaign, their coach, Vincent Nyaberi, has a unique approach to squad-building. Despite earning promotion by finishing second in the National Super League (NSL), Nyaberi is resisting the temptation to sign too many Premier League players. He believes that players from the NSL may find it easier to adapt to the top flight, making his squad predominantly comprised of rising talents. Murang’a Seal’s fans will be curious to see if this strategy pays off in their debut season and allows them to build a new chapter in their football history.
Fixtures to Watch:
The fixtures themselves promise to be gripping affairs:
- 26th August: Kariobangi Sharks vs. Kenya Police FC
- 23rd September: AFC Leopards vs. Shabana FC
- 30th September: AFC Leopards vs. Gor Mahia
- 22nd October: Bandari vs. AFC Leopards
- 29th October: Shabana vs. Gor Mahia
- 29th October: Bandari vs. Muhoroni Youth FC (formerly Wazito FC)
- 10th December: AFC Leopards vs. Homeboyz
- 16th December: Murang’a Seals vs. AFC Leopards
Good morning #FootballKE fans.
— FootballKE🇰🇪⚽️ (@FootballKe_90) August 2, 2023
Here is a tentative fixture for the games we intend to attend.
Comment with a fixture you are excited to attend, we will add it.
We shall communicate Logistics in due time. 🫡#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/TVMp2nyVsG
As the season unfolds, football enthusiasts can expect to witness not only thrilling matches but also the history of each fixture coming to life on the field. Each clash carries with it a unique narrative, rich in the tales of triumph, heartbreak, and the pursuit of greatness. So, mark your calendars and prepare for the drama to unfold on the Kenyan football stage!
