• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 hrs ago

AFC Leopards eye top spot as they face champions Kenya Police

The Kenyan Premier League returns on Saturday with high-stakes matches across the country, as AFC Leopards aim to climb to the top of the table when they face league champions Kenya Police.

After a two-week break due to the Mozzart Bet Cup, six matches are lined up on Saturday, with the title race and relegation battle both taking centre stage.

All eyes will be on Nyayo National Stadium where Leopards, popularly known as Ingwe, have a big chance to go top.

Current leaders Gor Mahia sit on 57 points, just two ahead of Leopards, but they are not in action on Saturday. A win for Ingwe would see them move to the summit with only seven matches left.

Leopards head into the match in top form, having won their last four league games without conceding a goal.

Coach Fred Ambani will also be boosted by the return of key players including Kayci Odhiambo, Emmanuel Lwangu, Humphrey Katasi and Julius Masaba, who are back from injury.

Police, currently fourth with 44 points, have also been impressive, winning five of their last six matches. However, coach Nicholas Muyoti has shifted focus to the cup competition, making this clash even more interesting.

In Kisii, Shabana take on Kakamega Homeboyz in another key encounter. Newly appointed assistant coach Osborne Monday will be on the touchline just a day after returning to the club.

Shabana are struggling, having lost four of their last five matches, while Homeboyz remain in the title conversation.

At Wang’uru Stadium, Tusker face bottom-placed Sofapaka. Tusker come into the match with confidence after beating Gor Mahia, while Sofapaka are fighting to avoid relegation.

The relegation battle continues at Kasarani Annex where Mathare United host Bidco United. Mathare are looking to end a three-match winless run, while Bidco must win to boost their survival hopes.

Elsewhere, Kariobangi Sharks take on Mara Sugar in an early kickoff, with both sides chasing safety.

In the final match of the day, KCB face Ulinzi Stars as both teams look to improve their positions, with KCB targeting a top-five finish and Ulinzi fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone.

As the league enters its final stretch, Saturdaymatches could play a big role in deciding both the title race and the fight for survival.