Six lessons learned from FKF Premier League match week 32

The 2025/26 FKF Premier League season continues to draw closer to its denouement with just two matches left following the successful conclusion of matchweek 32 on Wednesday, 20 May, leaving us with plenty of lessons to ponder.

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With the prestigious Mozzart Bet Cup semi-finals also taking place over the weekend, coupled with the matatu strike experienced on Monday and Tuesday, only six matches took place, with the three remaining encounters postponed to Wednesday, 27 May.

Of the six matches that took place, Gor Mahia were the biggest winners, with every victory inching them closer to the title, while the two other most supported Kenyan teams, AFC Leopards and Shabana, also registered wins.

There were also significant changes in the relegation matrix as Bidco United joined Sofapaka in the drop to the National Super League (NSL).

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Mozzart Sport spent time comprehensively covering all six matches and, in this weekly article, pens some of the lessons that we deduced from them.

Gor Mahia's high press delivering the title

Since the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday, 26 April, Gor Mahia have adopted a high press tactical approach that once again delivered results against Murang’a Seal.

In the high-octane clash held on Sunday, 17 May at the Nyayo National Stadium, K’Ogalo produced a stellar performance to secure a 3-1 win and move to just one win away from the league title.

In their recent matches, Gor Mahia’s front three of Patrick Esombe, Shariff Musa and Samuel Kapen have seemingly been instructed to bait their opponents into one defensive wing before unleashing a high-intensity press that forces them to either clear the ball or lose it while forcing a build-up.

Once the ball is won, the speedy trio are also tasked with making quick offensive runs in transition that destabilise the opposition's defense, finding them out of position and allowing them to create scoring opportunities.

Kapen and Musa, in particular, have perfected this art and were on a rampage against Seal, with the latter producing a Man of the Match performance by scoring a goal and providing two assists, including for the opener by Kapen.

Lwangu takes matters into his own hands as Leopards pile pressure on K’Ogalo

Emmanuel Lwangu not only proved to be a defensive rock for AFC Leopards but also a scorer when needed over the past week.

The former Shabana FC defender was on target for Leopards, scoring the winner in their 2-1 win over Kakamega Homeboyz, three days after finding the back of the net in Ingwe’s 2-0 win over Ulinzi Stars.

Lwangu has proven to be pivotal for Leopards since breaking into the starting 11 towards the end of the first leg, and has now added flair to his game with an eye for goal.

Leopards are on 64 points, four shy of Gor Mahia with two league matches to play. Next up for Ingwe is a tricky clash against the high-flying APS Bomet.

Monday ball kicks in at Shabana

After a difficult start to life on his return to Shabana, head coach Osborne Monday guided the Glamour Boys to a 1-0 win over Bidco United in a performance that looked convincing.

After the match, the former Murang’a Seal head coach attributed the win to the adoption of his philosophy by the players.

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Having proven how entertaining his teams can be, Shabana may have found the energy and formula to finish the season strongly with the integration of “Monday Ball”.

Millions in bonuses propelling APS Bomet to safety

Mozzart Bet-sponsored APS Bomet once again bagged Ksh1.85 million from club patron Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen following their 2-0 win over Bandari, but most importantly, secured their place in next season's FKF Premier League.

With the 37 players and staff being promised Ksh50,000 for each win, every APS Bomet player and staff member has now earned Ksh300,000 and a combined total of Ksh5.5 million from their last three wins over KCB FC, Mathare United and Bandari, respectively.

In the end, the Law Enforcers are now 12th on the log with 40 points, eight points above Ulinzi Stars in the relegation zone, with the teams below them still having matches against each other.

APS have now won six consecutive league matches and are on a nine-match unbeaten run. Prior to their current run, the Bomet-based side had not secured back-to-back wins throughout the season.

Posta Rangers struck jackpot with Jackson Macharia

If Posta Rangers will be able to survive relegation, much credit will go to mid-season signing Jackson Macharia.

The former Tusker FC midfielder has been in great form for Posta, and was once again the main man, scoring a brace in a 2-2 draw against Nairobi United.

The goals against Naibois took his tally to eight despite playing in just one half of the season, an impressive record for someone who was unattached and was a farmer in the opening half of the season.

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Another bizarre officiating in the FKFPL

Football fans were once again treated to sub-standard officiating in Gor Mahia’s 3-1 win over Murang’a Seal.

While it is the nature of the game for fans and teams alike to disagree with officiating, the FKFPL has been punctuated by poor officiating for the better part of the season, with the latest being from referee Israel Mpaima.

The incident in question is the disallowed goal by Jackson Dwang’ following an excellent exchange of passes by K’Ogalo, which was ruled out for a foul.

From the view on the pitch as well as replays after the match, there seems to be no foul in the build-up to the goal. Luckily, this time round, Gor had already scored three goals and the team, as well as the fans, did not agitate much over the goal.

End of an Era: Bidco United relegated

After six seasons in the FKFPL, Bidco United were relegated following a poor season, with the last nail on the coffin being their 1-0 loss to Shabana.

The Oilers have endured a poor season that includes registering just one win in 27 league matches, perhaps the worst form in the league's history. They will compete in the NSL from next season.