The 25/26 SportPesa League season officially got underway on 19 September 2025 with Tusker hosting KCB at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
That opening clash marked a new start for the experienced Robert Matano who was entrusted with leading KCB into the new season following a short stint in Tanzania.
With four titles under his name, ‘The Lion’ as he is commonly referred to in the football circles, wasted no time in getting up and running as he got one over his former side.
His first win formed part of the SportPesa League Round 1 talking points that also saw record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia capitulate under new leadership while Kisii-based Shabana laid a marker of intent for the new season. Here is a wrap of the SportPesa League Round 1 action.
Can Matano make KCB genuine title contenders in 25/26 SportPesa League?
With four league titles to his name, Matano is no stranger when it comes to winning.
His biggest challenge will be whether he can steer KCB to their first-ever league title in their history.
Founded in 1993, KCB’s best finish in the league was in 2021 when they finished second on 62 points, three behind champions Tusker who were under the stewardship of Matano at the time.
The former Tusker head coach got the perfect start in his quest as KCB beat Tusker 2-0 courtesy of a brace from Boniface Omondi.
Whether he can galvanize his team to sustain a title challenge in the entire 25/26 SportPesa League campaign remains to be seen. But one thing is certain, Matano can get the job done.
Opening day stumble for Gor Mahia in redemption season
Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia came into the 25/26 SportPesa League season on the back of a trophyless campaign for the first time since 2016.
Facing Bidco United in their opening clash and Charles Akonnor’s first official match as head coach, K’Ogalo needed to make a statement of intent in their redemption mission.
However, the 21-time Kenyan champions struggled to kill off their opponents and were stunned 1-0 by the minnows who left it late in sealing the three points.
That result immediately heaped pressure on Akonnor who has no room for slacking from their demanding fanbase.
In that game, Gor Mahia struggled to finish off chances, highlighting their recent striking problems that remains the biggest challenge.
Up next for K’Ogalo is a clash to Sofapaka in Round 2.
Shabana lay down marker for new season
Playing in their third season following promotion back to the topflight, Shabana laid down a marker as they thrashed newbies APS Bomet 4-2 at the Gusii Stadium.
They were the only team that scored more than two goals in the opening round with star player Brian Michira impressing with a brace.
Having finished in fifth place last season, the Kisii-based side will be hoping for consistency as they chase SportPesa League glory.
AFC Leopards fail to impress
12-time Kenyan champions AFC Leopards were forced to settle for a point following a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka.
The manner of the draw left a lot to be desired from the team that last won a league title in 1998.
Defending champions Kenya Police and FKF Cup champions Nairobi United were not in action in Round 1 due to commitments in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup respectively.
SportPesa League Round 1 results
Tusker 0-2 KCB
Kariobangi Sharks 0-0 Bandari
AFC Leopards 1-1 Sofapaka
Shabana 4-2 APS Bomet
Murang’a Seal 0-1 Ulinzi Stars
Gor Mahia 0-1 Bidco United
Mathare United 1-2 Posta Rangers
SportPesa League standings after Round 1
