The Kenyan Premier League has taken a break following the government’s directive to suspend public gatherings owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, most teams have suspended their activities as they wait for the relevant agencies to assess the situation.
The KPL set April 4 as a tentative date for the top tier to resume. However, if the current situation is anything to go by, the date might be pushed forward.
Football fans in the country are finding it hard to cope without the beautiful game, but some teams are enjoying the break which gives them an opportunity to reassess their tactics.
With 23 matches to go, SPORTS AFRICA analyses the league and lists teams capable of winning the league this season.
Gor Mahia
The defending champions have defied the odds despite starting the season on a low note.
Their main sponsor SportPesa pulled out. They further lost influential players like Jacques Tuyisenge and Francis Kahata before the departure of Gnamien Yikpe, Tobias Otieno and Francis Afriyie further undermined their chances of winning the title.
However, on the pitch, the story has been different; K’Ogalo are dominating and are seemingly set to bag their 19th crown.
They are currently on 54 points after 23 matches, seven clear of second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz.
Upon resumption of the KPL, you can bet your money on K’Ogalo to win the league once again.
Kakamega Homeboyz
Nobody could have guessed the Kakamega-based side could be challenging for the title this season.
This is, by far, the best challenge they have ever put in their brief history in the KPL.
Last season, they struggled to leave a mark and ended up finishing the race in seventh position with 52 points, 20 less than eventual champions Gor Mahia.
Currently, on 47 points, the Nicholas Muyoti-led charges are set to go past the 54-point mark reached last season.
One feat they have achieved this season is beating Gor Mahia for the first time in the league match played at Bukhungu a couple of weeks ago.
Will they beat them to the title as well? It is debatable. With 12 matches to go, Homeboyz can set a target of 30 points from possible 36 and by doing so, without a doubt they will do the ‘unthinkable’ — dislodge Gor Mahia from the top.
Tusker FC
The 11-time champions struggled to a fourth-place finish in the 2018/19 season with 56 points.
It was not what the Brewers had anticipated; they could not cope with Bandari FC and Gor Mahia who were miles ahead.
But coach Robert Matano promised to have a better season and we are already seeing the dividends.
With 22 matches played, the Ruaraka-based side are eight points behind the leaders and winning their match in hand will reduce the gap to just five points.
In order to stand a chance of winning the title this season, Tusker have to ensure they go on a winning spree and collect at least 30 points from their 12 games.
It is definitely going to be an interesting end to the season — KCB and Ulinzi Stars are outside contenders, but it all depends on the consistency of the top-three sides.