Tusker players during a training session/HANDOUTAs dawn spills molten light across Kenya’s stadiums, the 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League awakens from weeks of slumber.
It surges with the pulse of dreams and fortunes, a season where glory carries the weight of Sh15 million for champions, Sh3 million for runners-up, and Sh2 million for third place.
Kenyan football has entered a crucible, and the fire of possibility burns brighter than ever. SportPesa’s Sh 60 million sponsorship injection, paired with the FKF’s unprecedented prize purse, has set the stage for a vicious battle.
This is no ordinary season. The infusion of financial incentives has transformed the league into a theatre of aspiration.
Clubs no longer chase merely pride—they chase fortune, opportunity, and the power to carve destinies. Coaches plot with precision, players train with fervour, and the air is thick with the promise of drama, skill, and triumph.
Each match is a stanza in a larger narrative, a pulse in the heartbeat of a nation that breathes football.
In Nairobi, 12-time champions Tusker face KCB in the league opener on Friday at the iconic Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
Charles Okere, the architect of Tusker’s ambitions, exudes a calm that belies intensity.
“We have prepared meticulously. KCB is a strong side, but we are ready to stamp our mark on this season,” he says, eyes blazing with conviction. Tusker is not just a name; it is a legacy. This season, every point carries weight, and we are determined to start with power and precision.”
Across the pitch, Robert Matano returns to haunt his former side, a seasoned general eager to test his old battlefield.
“Tusker knows me well, but so do we. We have evolved, we have learned, and we will challenge them at every turn,” he asserts, a grin of determination tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Fondly known as 'The Lion' by dotting fans, Matano reveals the depth of his strategy: “We’ve dissected Tusker’s patterns. Discipline, timing, and seizing moments—these are the threads of victory. They cannot underestimate our resolve.”
Kasarani will also host a titanic clash between record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia and Bidco United.
Charles Akonnor, the tactician given the mantle to guide the 1987 CAF Confederation Cup titlists this season, speaks with measured intensity:
“Bidco will challenge us, but we are prepared to defend our pride and show our fans the football they deserve.”
He adds later, reflecting on preparation: “We have sharpened cohesion, drilled intensity, and nurtured resilience. Every game is an opportunity to honour Gor Mahia’s legacy and reclaim our place as giants of Kenyan football.”
Bidco’s Anthony Akhulia meets the challenge with equal fervour: “We are ready to fight; our players are hungry, and we intend to make a statement, after struggling in the preceding season,” he declares.
“Respect is earned on the pitch, not in words. Gor Mahia may be giants, but performance dictates narrative, and we will write ours in bold strokes this season.”
In Nairobi, AFC Leopards lock horns with Sofapaka at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. Fred Ambani, the Leopards coach, fire in his eyes, commands focus: “Sofapaka is unpredictable, but our team is centred. We want to start strong and make a statement.”
“We aim to rekindle the glory of AFC Leopards. The fans deserve a team that fights, endures, and delivers—this is the heartbeat of our ambition.”
Ezekiel Akwana, Sofapaka’s strategist, counters with calm determination: “Leopards are formidable, but we have our plans. This is the beginning of a season where every point counts.”
“Our young players are eager to prove themselves. Resilience and identity are what we build this season; every match is a step toward making our mark.”
The narrative flows south to Kisii, where Shabana host newcomers APS Bomet. Peter Okidi, mindful of the newcomers’ hunger, says: “APS Bomet is new but hungry. We must respect them while asserting our dominance. The fans expect passion, and we will deliver.”
“Our tactics are precise, our coordination rehearsed. Home is where we must shine first—victory begins here.”
APS Bomet’s Michael Nam radiates audacity: “We are here to compete, to challenge established teams, and to claim our place in this league. Our players are fearless. We may be new, but silence is not in our nature. We aim to announce ourselves immediately.”
Kakamega Homeboyz, rejuvenated under the return of Patrick Odhiambo, march forward with purpose.
Team manager Boniface Imbenzi shares optimism: “We have retained our core players, and with Odhiambo back, we are ready to soar. Discipline and focus are our wings.”
Odhiambo, fresh from KCB, declares: “We know the challenges, but this squad has heart. Compete, inspire, make Kakamega proud—these are our imperatives. Consistency and clarity are our tools. We are here to contend, not merely participate.”
Nairobi United, league debutants, face Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium, carrying hopes as fragile and fierce as dawn light.
Nicholas Muyoti, their guiding voice, says: “We are ready to test ourselves at the highest level. This is our moment to show that we belong among Kenya’s best. Preparation has been intense and ambition is our currency. Now, it is time to challenge expectations and write our story with courage.”
Meanwhile, champions Kenya Police, returning from the CECAFA Kagame Cup where they bowed out in the group stages, face Mara Sugar at the Police Sacco Stadium.
Head coach Etienne Ndayragije reflects: “Our journey in Tanzania taught us lessons. We are back, focused, and determined to start strong. Mara Sugar will test us, but our eyes are on the prize.”
“Discipline, unity, and experience must merge. This season, we define our own legacy.”
Edward Manoah of Mara Sugar meets the challenge with measured ambition: “Playing Kenya Police is tough, but it is a stage to test ourselves. Our players are motivated. This is our chance to prove we can compete with the league’s top teams and write a story of courage.”
