- Shabana FC will host Bidco United at Gusii Stadium on Wednesday at 2 PM EAT.
- Leopards will be looking to extend their unbeaten run against Mathare United.
- A win against Ingwe would significantly boost Mathare’s chances of securing their place in the league for a second consecutive season.
Shabana FC will look to extend their impressive run in the 24/25 FKF Premier League campaign when they host relegation-threatened Bidco United at the Gusii Stadium in a midweek clash scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 at 1400 EAT.
The Glamour Boys head into this fixture riding high on the momentum of a hard-fought 0-1victory against KCB over the weekend, a crucial result that saw them bounce back to winning ways after a narrow 0-1 home defeat to Gor Mahia.
As a result, Peter Okidi’s side will be determined to secure three vital points to tighten their grip on a top-three finish.
Currently placed fourth on the table with 49 points, Shabana trail third-placed Gor Mahia by four points (53), second-placed Tusker by six (55) and league leaders Kenya Police by nine (58).
With just four matches remaining before the curtain falls on the season, clinching the top spot appears challenging.
However, finishing second or third would mark a historic high, especially considering their sluggish start to the campaign.
Shabana will also aim to preserve their strong home form as they chase their ninth win in 15 home fixtures.
So far, they have collected 27 points at Gusii Stadium, having registered eight wins, three draws, and three defeats.
While Shabana are striving for a top-tier finish, Bidco United find themselves in a risky position.
The Oilers currently sit 15th on the table with 29 points just two ahead of bottom-placed Nairobi City Stars (27) and remain deeply entangled in the relegation battle.
Bidco are the only side in the league to have recorded just five wins this season and are desperate to scrape any points they can in the final stretch.
They come into this clash on the back of consecutive goalless draws against Bandari FC and Posta Rangers.
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How Antony Akhulia is set to turn around Bidco fate
With up to eight teams still flirting with relegation, Bidco head coach Antony Akhulia emphasized the gravity of the remaining fixtures, describing them as “do or die.”
All the remaining matches are classified into a ‘do or die’ affair to signify the significance of us winning all of them if we want to maintain our status in the top-flight league next season.
It is that scary, and as well as a challenge that we must be ready to take it head-on for safety,”Akhulia told Citizen Digital.
Akhulia revealed that his prolonged absence from the squad due to national team duties with the Kenyan Junior Stars and Rising Stars had negatively affected the team’s performance.
The whole season, I can say that I have not been around to train the team, and the season has just been so bad for us as a team. We have had our problems as a team, and I have also been away with the Kenyan Junior Stars and the Rising Stars in their international assignments. This has had an impact on United in terms of performances because I have not had enough time with the boys,” he added.
We will have to talk with the boys and make them understand that we have to at least get a point from all the matches that are ahead of us this season. If it were my wish, then I would say that we should win all four matches to guarantee our safety, but at least not to lose.” He reckoned.
The reverse fixture between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, with Daoglus Mokaya scoring for Bidco while former Shabana player Mathew Tegisi found the net for the hosts.
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AFC Leopards seek to extend unbeaten run against Mathare
Away from Kisii, AFC Leopards will be aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to four matches as they take on another struggling side, Mathare United, at Dandora Stadium in a 1600hrs EAT kickoff.
Ingwe are well-rested after their weekend fixture a highly anticipated second-leg Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia was postponed due to venue issues.
Currently in sixth place with 42 points, Leopards will be eager to secure three crucial points at home, where their recent form has been underwhelming, in order to solidify their league standing.
On the other hand, John Kamau’s Mathare, who have lacked consistency this season, sit 10th with 37 points nine clear of the drop zone.
They head into the fixture buoyed by a 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz last weekend.
A win against Ingwe would greatly enhance Mathare’s chances of staying in the league for a second consecutive season.
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FKFPL Matchday 31 – Wednesday Fixtures
- Ulinzi Stars vs Posta Rangers – Ulinzi Sports Complex – 1300hrs
- FC Talanta vs Tusker FC – Dandora Stadium – 1300hrs
- AFC Leopards vs Mathare United – Dandora Stadium – 1600hrs
- Shabana FC vs Bidco United – Gusii Stadium – 1400hrs
- Kakamega Homeboyz vs Kenya Police – Mumias Sports Complex – 1400hrs
- Mara Sugar vs Bandari FC – Awendo Green Stadium – 1400hrs
- Murang’a SEA vs Sofapaka FC – SportPesa Arena – 1500hrs
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