Teams to follow closely in the FKF Premier League

With the Kenyan football scene growing strength by strength and with the onboarding of a broadcast partner in Tanzanian company Azam, the game will keep on growing and enticing new fans. For those with an eye for the tactical side of the game (yes, our league does have tactical tweaks), some of the teams to have a keen eye on that are not among the perennial big hitters include:

Kariobangi Sharks

The Nairobi-based team, which is very keen on developing young players and granting the youngsters a chance in the top flight, is key. The team is a short passing side with a major emphasis on patient build-up play into the final third. I know one can wonder, How is that entertaining? Death by a thousand passes? The Sharks have taken it up a notch this season and are deadly on transitions. Cue their goals against Kakamega Homeboyz and Shabana. Geoffrey Onyango is their standout performer this season so far, scaling his finishing to greater heights, an area he heavily struggled with in the past seasons. The wingback now has three goals and an assist to his name. In Fortune Omoto and Keith Imbali, the Sharks, are arguably two of the most gifted progressive carriers in the league. Do not be deceived, though these lads can break any low block with the impeccable vision they possess.

Sofapaka

Though struggling in the initial stages of the league and having a sacked coach later, the team christened Batoto Ba Mungu are slowly finding their stride under Coach Ezekiel Akwana, who is getting the simple concepts well orchestrated. The team added quality to their ranks by roping in Abdul Fiston Razak for another stint at the club. They also roped in the experienced midfield duo of Amos Asembeka and Humphrey Mieno. Fiston Razak is tasked with dropping deep and linking play while also providing a central focal point for attacks. The advanced midfielders in the Sofapaka system are tasked with exploiting the space between the opponent midfield and defensive lines, especially in transitions. This allows the creative forwards to dictate play well. Mieno and Asembeka as the double pivot, with Asembeka more advanced but slightly reserved from the opposition midfield lines. Sofapaka look to get the best balance of physical and technical ability in their ranks.

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Murang'a Seal

As illustrated in previous articles, league newcomers-only five goals against in the league after 10 rounds is commendable and something out-of-possession enthusiasts can marvel at.

The Seals drop into a compact low block, with the two central midfielders looking to compact the central areas and eliminate central progression. Their wingers and ball-side forwards are also adept at dropping deep into wide positions.

In their low block, the Seals can comfortably leave 8–9 players behind the ball. Only pressing where the ball is, with the forward chasing the ball down. The attacking midfielder looks to cut any central passing lanes, as they look to be very compact between the lines of midfield and attack and deny opposition playmakers from dictating the tempo of the games and breaking lines comfortably.

Bidco United.

One of the most lethal sides in attacking transitions in the league currently, Bidco in transition look to get numbers forward by playing free-flowing fluid football, which involves players moving off the ball into space to create uncertainties in the defense's mind and create space for the ball carrier or progressive passer. Bidco have scored many times in these situations. Even though they are a top team, they look to invite pressure by sitting back and drawing the opponent out, then creating more space behind the defence as the opponent line keeps pushing up. Their flanks, especially the left flank, are the most focal in counter-attacking situations, using Shariff Musa's blistering pace to get up the pitch as quickly as possible and also relying on the technical ability and game understanding of midfielders like Jacob Onyango to also progress them forward.

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