By Austin Oduor Otieno,
The Kenyan Premier league takes a four week long break from tomorrow signaling the end of the first leg.
It has been 15 matches for each of the sixteen teams with several classic goals seen. The league which is sponsored by East African Breweries limited with the brand Tusker has been live on the world of Champions, Supersport.
I salute the KPL management led by its Chairman Ambrose Rachier and the CEO Jack Oguda.The league, which is among Africa’s best run leagues will resume in July.
With numerous challenges ranging from whom between FKF or KPL had the mandate to run the top tier to law courts and FIFA, the league went on smoothly.
Surprises has engulfed the 2015 KPL leg one with the re introduction of relegated Nakuru All Stars and Nairobi City Stars. The two have been struggling but somehow started getting their rhythm towards the end. The two teams need massive recruitment to have any chance of escaping the drop.
Financial challenges however has been the characteristics of most clubs as players went months without pay.AFC leopards management has been on the receiving end both from fans and players. Chairman Allan Kasavuli had to call it quit after a series of financial problems.
Gor Mahia finished the first half on a high leading the log with a massive 39 points,12 ahead of second placed Sofapaka and Ulinzi.They further have two of their players Ali Abondo and Meddie Kagere as the joint top scorers.
Defensive duo of Karim Nzigiyimana and Abouba Sibomana have stood tall at the heart of the defense, the two imports from Rayon Sports have played in every single game Gor Mahaia has played in the league and they have been a darling of the fans with their ability to move forward.Bonface Oluoch has also made history going 10 matches without conceding a goal.
On the other side Sofapaka has benefited from the sale of Abdoul Fiston to former PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns with president Kalekwa boasting of netting close to Ksh 4 Million.
It is the season that Sony Sugar and Chemelil Sugar have found the going tough with several loses even at their backyard.
The first leg has also witnessed the return of Western Stima back to their home Kisumu, and truly with a bang, it is Kisumu that they beat AFC Leopards and held Gor Mahia.Aseason that has witnessed the lakeside City enjoy live action many a times.
A first leg that has seen a total of 69 goals scored between the first ten top scorers so far with 25of the goals scored by three Gor Mahia players in Olunga, Kagere and Abondo.A half that has witnessed a team having a goal difference of 24 with the immediate team with a paltry goal difference of 6.
We have witnessed team coaches crying foul of poor officiating with some going as far as blaming the match officials of favouring some top teams. It is the first time that am witnessing no coach fired despite some posting dismal performances.
A half that has seen close to 80% of the first team of Gor Mahia being called to the national team. And lastly a scenario where AFC leopards had to assembly a hurriedly makeshift team and trusting Karim Ndunggwa in goal despite being a striker after Kasaya and company boycotted play.He ended up saving veteran John Baraza penalty and subsequently helping Leopards beat Sofapaka.
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