Six lessons learned from FKF Premier League matchweek 19
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Reading Time: 5min | Wed. 04.02.26. | 10:03
Mozzart Sport covered all eight matches played in the round, and this weekly series elucidates some of the six lessons that were learnt
The FKF Premier League continues in earnest with the title race and relegation battle taking centre stage as revealed by the just concluded matchweek 19 that was staged from Saturday, 31 January to Monday, 2 February.
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League leaders Gor Mahia secured a resounding 3-0 victory over hapless Sofapaka to open a four-point gap at the top of the table and take advantage of the inactivity of their arch-rivals, AFC Leopards, over the weekend.
The pressure of the title race is now at The Den as Leopards cannot afford to drop points when they return to league action.
Mozzart Sport covered all eight matches played in the round, and this weekly series elucidates some of the six lessons that were learnt.
Gor Mahia are rebuilding the Berlin Wall
League leaders Gor Mahia made a name for themselves at the start of the season for having the best defense in the league, with fans dubbing it ‘Berlin Wall’ in reference to the historic wall in East Germany that prevented citizens from crossing to the democratic West.
After suffering a 1-0 defeat in their opening match of the season, K’Ogalo went ahead to keep six clean sheets in seven matches, conceding just one goal in the process.
However, a 4-1 defeat to APS Bomet opened the wave of defensive troubles for the team as they went ahead to concede in five of their next six matches.
With the defensive gaps identified, the Kenyan giants went into the market and re-signed defender Frank Odhiambo to curb their troubles.
The former Djugardens defender began his second stint with a second-half introduction in their 2-1 win over Bidco United, helping the club to not only keep a clean sheet in the second half but also complete a comeback victory.
Odhiambo would then be handed a starting berth against Sofapaka and produced a solid defensive display that helped his side keep a clean sheet.
To add a cherry on top of the cake, the 23-year-old rose high to head an Enock Morrison long throw into the back of the net to open the scoring in the 13th minute of the match.
His defensive partner, Sylvester Owino, also scored from a short corner five minutes later in what was an impressive display by the defensive duo.
In his post-match press conference, coach Charles Akonnor hailed the central defense competition between Owino, Odhiambo and Mike Kibwage, noting it has improved the team and is key to their title push.
Poor Officiating grants Shabana victory
Shabana FC returned to winning ways, not because of their prowess but due to poor officiating in their match against Bandari FC, played on Sunday, 1 February at the Gusii Stadium.
Centre referee Emmanuel Ochieng awarded Shabana a penalty in the 27th minute for a nonexistent handball by a Bandari defender, with replays showing no signs of the ball coming into contact with the hand.
Harambee Stars winger Brian Michira stepped forward and converted the penalty, which was the only goal of the match.
The officiating was even more troubling as moments earlier, Bandari’s goal by Darius Msagha was ruled out for offside, a call that also looked incorrect.
This was yet another match that poor officiating negatively influenced the game, with the spotlight shining brighter on match officials, for the wrong reasons.
Trouble at Kakamega Homeboyz
Kakamega Homeboyz once again dropped points in a disappointing manner when they were held to a 3-3 draw by Mara Sugar on Saturday at the Bukhungu Stadium.
The Mozzart-Bet sponsored side took the lead three times, but on all those occasions, allowed Mara Sugar to draw level, much to the disappointment of the team's faithful, who directed their anger towards the players at full-time.
In the end, the club has reacted by reportedly parting ways with assistant coach Paul Okatwa, fitness coach Eric Muranda and goalkeeper coach James Ombeng.
Nick Mwendwa inspires Sharks out of the relegation zone
Former FKF president Nick Mwendwa came to the rescue of 2018 Mozzart Bet Cup champions Kariobangi Sharks, helping them to secure a win that got them out of the relegation zone.
While coach William Muluya was issuing instructions from his technical area, Mwendwa was also coaching and barking instructions from a tent near the corner flag.
The former FKF head honcho was dishing out tactical instructions that players were keenly listening to. In fact, Humphrey Aroko ran to Mwendwa to celebrate after scoring the only goal of the match from the spot.
Lack of concentration extends Bidco’s winless run to 14 matches
Bidco United looked set to claim their first league victory since October 2025, but a lapse in concentration in second-half stoppage time allowed Police FC to score as the two teams settled for a 1-1 draw.
The script looked familiar for the Oilers, who also conceded late in the game in their back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Murang'a Seal and Gor Mahia, as well as in the 1-0 defeat to Sharks on Thursday, 18 December 2025.
Coach Anthony Akhulia has decried the lapse in concentration as the major undoing of his troops. Bidco must address defensive problems as a matter of urgency if they are to survive relegation.
All Hail King Joe
Murang'a Seal midfielder Joe Waithira is enjoying the form of his life, producing remarkable performances, scoring important goals and guiding Seal to victories.
The former Sofapaka midfielder was once again the hero, scoring a brace to hand Seal a 2-1 victory over APS Bomet.
King Joe, as he is commonly known, has now scored 12 goals in 19 league matches and is a prime candidate once again for the Player of the Month award.
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