The FKF Premier League’s 2024/25 season has entered its ninth round, and the competition is heating up as teams vie for points, prestige, and survival. KCB FC continues to dominate at the summit under the tactical guidance of coach Patrick Odhiambo, but Round 9 delivered plenty of storylines that went beyond the league table.
Historic Moments for Women Coaches in the FKF Premier League
Women coaches are carving their place in Kenyan football’s top tier, with Beldine Odemba and Jackline Juma leading the way.
Beldine Odemba became the second female coach in FKF Premier League history when she stepped into her interim role at Kenya Police FC. In her debut match, Odemba’s side held Kariobangi Sharks to a 0-0 draw at Dandora Stadium. After the match, she reflected on her transition from coaching women’s football to men’s, saying:
“I don’t think there’s much difference as long as the players follow instructions. In fact, I’ve coached men’s football more than women’s. Police is the first place where I’ve really coached women. The difference might just be in the pace, and men grasp tactics more easily,” Odemba stated.
She also expressed her ambition to fully transition to men’s football:
“This opportunity, though unexpected and interim, brings me closer to my goal. I’m grateful for the experience as I continue to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time men’s coach,”she added.
Meanwhile, Jackline Juma, the league’s first female head coach, continues to inspire at FC Talanta. Despite a tough 2-1 loss to league leaders KCB, Juma remains resolute in the face of challenges. Talanta has now gone six games without a win, but Juma insists she is unfazed by the team’s current struggles.
“I am not under pressure because of our position, but it challenges us to work harder to climb up the ladder,”Juma told reporters after the match.
Reflecting on the performance against KCB, she highlighted her team’s improved second-half display:
“The game was amazing, especially in the second half. Players played according to our game plan. Towards the end, we lost concentration, and at this level, one single mistake can punish you, and that’s what happened,” she explained.
Golden Boot Race Intensifies
The fight for the league’s top scorer crown continues to excite fans, with Tusker FC’s Ryan Ogam and KCB’s Francis Kahiro both shining in Round 9.
Kahiro opened the scoring in KCB’s 2-1 win over Talanta, taking his tally to six goals for the season. Ogam matched him later in the round, scoring the winner in Tusker’s narrow 1-0 victory against Nairobi City Stars. Both players’ performances have not gone unnoticed, earning them call-ups to the national team.
Mathew Tegisi Eyes Golden Bolt
In the Sportpesa derby Mathew Tegisi’s lone goal earned Shabana Fc their second win of the season edging out Murang’a Seal in a closely contested match.Both sides had a fair share of possession going into half with Goalkeeper Morgan Ambuka making a number of great saves to keep Murang’a Seal in the match.Coach Peter Okidi made substitutions early into the second half which immediately paid off with Darius Msagha finding Mathew Tegisi Moamanyi who slotted in to give Shabana maximum points.
Speaking after the match Mathew Tegisi expressed his joy
“I knew I was going to score against Murang’a Seal but the question was when or at what moment it was going to happen but the efforts paid off,I had to score because I’m also aiming for the golden boot by the end of the season”he said.
“I know it’s hard but with my teammates I’ll be able to win it.” He added.
Newcomers Making a Statement
Promoted sides Mathare United and Mara Sugar FC are proving they belong in the top tier, taking on league veterans with fearless performances.
Mathare United secured their third consecutive win, defeating Posta Rangers 2-0. With this result, Mathare climbed to fourth place on the log with 14 points. The team’s resurgence reflects their adaptability and strong team ethos.
Mara Sugar FC, on the other hand, maintained their unbeaten home record with a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka. However, the match was not without controversy, as contentious officiating decisions led to heated reactions from both teams. Mara Sugar currently occupies second place, just four points behind leaders KCB.
Round 9 Results
– Tusker FC 1-0 Nairobi City Stars
– Mathare United 2-0 Posta Rangers
– Mara Sugar 1-1 Sofapaka FC
– KCB FC 2-1 FC Talanta
– Bandari FC 0-0 Bidco United
– Gor Mahia 1-1 Shabana FC
– Ulinzi Stars 2-0 Murang’a Seal
– KK Homeboyz 1-1 AFC Leopards
Statistical Standouts
Clean Sheets Leaders:
– Farouk Shikhalo (KCB) – 5
– Bryne Omondi (Bandari) – 5
– Felix Adoyo (Mara Sugar) – 4
Top Scorers:
– Francis Kahiro (KCB) – 6
– Ryan Ogam (Tusker) – 6
-Mathew Tegisi (Shabana) -4
-Ally Salum (Kariobangi Sharks) -4
Top Assists
Shaphan Siwa Oyugi (Tusker) -6
James Kinyanjui (KCB)-6
Kevin Okumu (Kcb)-3
Ambrose Sifuna (Kakamega Homeboyz)-3
Looking Ahead to Round 10
Round 10 promises more thrilling action, with fixtures to keep fans on edge. Top matches include Tusker FC hosting second-placed Mara Sugar and leaders KCB taking on Kenya Police FC.
Gameweek 10 Fixtures:
– Mathare United vs. Nairobi City Stars
– FC Talanta vs. Ulinzi Stars
– Tusker FC vs. Mara Sugar
– Bandari vs. Kariobangi Sharks
– Bidco United vs. Posta Rangers
– Gor Mahia vs. KK Homeboyz
– Shabana vs. AFC Leopards
– Sofapaka vs. Murang’a Seal
– Kenya Police FC vs. KCB