Ex-Harambee Stars defender backs Leopards and Tusker to bounce back after slow start
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 10.10.25. | 11:15
After four rounds of matches, Leopards and Tusker occupy 15th and 16th place, respectively, an unusual sight for the two giants of Kenyan football
Former Harambee Stars defender James Situma believes AFC Leopards, Tusker FC, and Kenya Police FC remain strong contenders for the FKF Premier League title despite enduring sluggish starts to the 2025/26 campaign.
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After four rounds of matches, Leopards and Tusker occupy 15th and 16th place, respectively, an unusual sight for the two giants of Kenyan football.
However, Situma expects both clubs to rediscover form once league action resumes after the ongoing international break.
“When you look at this season, there are teams like Shabana, Posta Rangers, and Bidco United who have packaged themselves as surprise contenders,” Situma told Citizen Digital.
“Teams like Tusker have struggled in their first four matches, as have the newbies APS Bomet. But I’m very positive that this international break will give such teams a breather to bounce back very strongly.”
Situma, who turned out for Sofapaka, Tusker, and AFC Leopards during his playing career, also expects defending champions Kenya Police to mount a serious title defence.
At the top end of the table, Situma praised Shabana, Posta Rangers, and Bidco United for their impressive starts, with the three sides sitting first, second, and fourth, respectively.
“When you look at leaders, Shabana, they’ve picked up from where they left off last season,” he said. “They finished very strongly last term after a poor start, and this season they’ve maintained that momentum.”
“Bidco United also deserves credit. Despite losing almost 20 players and signing close to the same number, head coach Antony Akhulia has done a brilliant job. He’s built a strong team that has won all their opening two matches.”
Situma also hailed Posta Rangers for their early consistency, noting that their two wins and one draw from the first three matches have them level on points with Shabana.
“Posta have done a good job, and their start shows they are ready to compete,” he added.
