Former Harambee Stars head coach Twahir Muhiddin has backed AFC Leopards to go toe-to-toe with arch-rivals Gor Mahia in what he predicts will be a fiercely contested 2026/27 SportPesa League title race.
Speaking to Radio Citizen on the competitive outlook of the upcoming campaign, the veteran tactician who previously managed AFC Leopards in the late 199,emphasized that the traditional community heavyweights are primed to dominate the domestic season.
“It is the trademark of Kenyan football to see community clubs like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards competing at the very top level. Looking at the preparation matches we have seen so far and considering the quality of our league, the season is going to be highly competitive,” Muhiddin stated.
“It will be difficult to predict who will win. I think the title race will go all the way to the final match of the season.”
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AFC Leopards enter the new season with extra motivation as they chase an elusive 28-year wait for the league title, having last lifted the top-flight crown in 1998.
That long-standing drought came agonizingly close to ending in the 2025/26 campaign, where they finished second on 64 points, five behind champions Gor Mahia (69). Ingwe lost the title campaign primarily due to dropped points in crucial matches.
The final blow to their championship campaign came in the penultimate round when Leopards suffered a 2-1 loss away to APS Bomet. That result mathematically handed Gor Mahia the league title prior to the final day of the season.
Gor Mahia, Afc Leopards pre-season ahead of 2026/27 SportPesa League season
Fred Ambani’s side has enjoyed an impressive off-season build-up, remaining unbeaten across their pre-season friendly matches. Ingwe earned victories over Kakamega Homeboyz (2–0), Nairobi United (2–1), and Ugandan giants KCCA FC (1–0) at the Nyayo National Stadium during their official squad unveiling, alongside draws against 3K FC (0–0) and Murang’a Seal (1–1).
Muhiddin believes these matches have set the right foundation, but warned the side against complacency.
“Leopards should not relax. They must keep their heads high and their feet on the ground because the challenge has already arrived,” Muhiddin urged.
“These are friendly matches, and there are many things to try during pre-season. But they have done well, and that will boost their confidence as they pursue their first title in 28 years.”
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In contrast, defending champions Gor Mahia enter the title race under mounting pressure. While K’Ogalo enjoyed a strong CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign in Rwanda reaching the final before falling 2-1 in extra time to hosts Rayon Sports,they suffered a major domestic setback after a 3-1 defeat to Tusker FC in the FKF Super Cup at Nyayo National Stadium.
Muhiddin noted that Gor Mahia’s Super Cup loss stemmed directly from physical exhaustion and squad depletion. “Gor Mahia were not ready when they lost 3-1 to Tusker in the FKF Super Cup final. They had just completed a high-intensity CECAFA tournament in Rwanda, where almost seven of their players suffered injuries.”
AFC Leopards kick off their 2026/27 Sportpesa League campaign against Bandari FC, while Gor Mahia begin their quest for a record-extending 23rd title against Murang’a Seal FC.