Protege meets mentor as Tusker confront KCB in 2025-2026 FKFPL season opener

The 2025-2026 Kenya Premier League season gets underway on Friday, 19 September, with a mouthwatering clash at Kasarani Stadium as Tusker FC face KCB FC in what promises to be a thrilling season opener under the floodlights.

Both sides, who have consistently been in the title conversation in recent years, will be eager to start their campaigns on a strong footing.

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For Tusker, the ambition is to challenge for their 13th league crown.

The Brewers, under coach Charles Okere, are expected to begin the season with renewed vigor after a frustrating 2025 campaign in which they finished fourth, eight points adrift of champions Kenya Police FC.

Despite their pedigree, Tusker have endured a four-year wait for silverware and will be desperate to turn the tide this season.

KCB, on the other hand, are determined to bounce back from a disappointing 10th-place finish last term.

The Bankers started brightly but faded as the campaign wore on.

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The appointment of seasoned tactician Robert Matano three months ago has, however, breathed fresh optimism into their ranks.

A four-time league-winning coach, Matano is widely respected for his tactical discipline and title-winning pedigree.

The “Lion” now faces the challenge of transforming KCB into genuine title contenders and delivering what would be their first league triumph.

Historically, Tusker have held the upper hand in this fixture, winning 15 of their last 28 encounters, while KCB have managed just two victories, with 11 ties ending in stalemates.

Last season, however, tilted in KCB’s favor as they edged the Brewers 3-2 in the first leg before holding them to a goalless draw in the return fixture.

Interestingly, Okere worked under Matano at Tusker for close to five seasons, with the pair winning the league in the 2020-2021 season.

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Both clubs were active in the transfer window.

Tusker lost last season’s third-highest scorer, Ryan Ogam, who sealed a move to Austrian side Wolfsberger AC.

To fill the void, the Brewers brought back two-time 'Golden Boot' winner Erick Kapaito, a move that has reignited renewed optimism following Ogam's departure.

Additional signings, including; Dennis Oalo, Cliff Oruko, Brandon Obiero, Curtis Wekesa, Francis Oduor, Eugene Ikutwa, Yakeen Muteheli, Ronny Otieno, Issa Lumumba, and Vincent Owino, have further strengthened the squad.

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KCB also experienced notable departures, with talisman Francis Khairo and top assist provider James Kinyanjui leading the exits.

However, they reinforced heavily, acquiring influential figures such as; former Tusker captain Humphrey Mieno, Clyde Senaji, Apollo Otieno, Rowland Makati, Kelvin Etemesi, Arnold Muhanji, Fortune Omoto, Jack Onganya Amatton Samunya Josephat Andafu Tedja Wanumbi Elvis Ochoro Richard Omondi Fadhili Masoud, Gideon Were, and Yefessi Mbiru.

The match will kick off at 6:00 pm and will be beamed live on Azam Sports TV.