Talking points ahead of the new KPL season

As the world cup fever catches on like a plague with curtains drawing ever closer to the biggest sports event in the world, let's shift gears to the sixty dollar question: Kenyan Soccer. It has been nothing short of a whirlwind with tensions reaching fever pitch: pun intended.The Federation alongside its commmisioners have come under serious scrutiny with government acting sluggishly in a bid to comb out an ailing arena.The whole FIFA impasse is the crowning jewel for a mortifying picture of bribery and mismanagement. 

On the flip side, it hasn't been all doom and gloom. Well as far as matters pitch side are concerned. Lest we forget the league culminating in a nail-biting finale between eventual winners Tusker FC and Western region giants Kakamega homeboyz. Before we gloss over the misfortunes of the current state of football locally, how about a snippet about major talking points ahead of the imminent season this weekend.

Who will blink first?

Clubs must have been heedful of the ill fated season that befell Mathare United. From financial woes that culminated in a run of poor results and forfeiting consecutive matches, prompting them to bid goodbye to the top tier for the first time in their rich history. A sheer fall from grace. Wazito FC on the hand, will be hoping to exorcise their own demons from last season as they battled for survival with a spirited win over league hopefuls Muranga Seals FC. Under new ownership and coaching staff, it'll be intriguing to see just how they can rediscover their lost mojo.

Can KCB finally break bread with the big boys, relying on depth and experienced players to spearhead an unforeseen tussle for the crown? 

It'll also be captivating to witness the progress of both Talanta and Police in their second season in the top tier as well. 

Sugar, Spice and Everything THRICE!

Tusker FC seem to have it all, don't they? Well it doesn't take a genius to recognize the dominance and tactical prowess in full display while playing Matano's boys. Winning the league in back to back editions. The financial backing has definitely been a much needed boost for any KPL team but they haven't let the foot off the pedal either with zero loses all throughout preseason. A recent draw at Police FC highlighted periods of dominance for the Brewers but on this occasion they were well marshaled. Matano has declared his desire to retain the trophy this season sending out a stern warning to rivals and based on recent results, you'd be forgiven for calling him a bluff.

Sofapaka Renascance?

They huff and puff!.. Hot and Cold.They tasted league glory back in 2009 and those days seem as mythical as they come. That has been the story of a team that has been through it all. From transfer bans, injuries to key players and change of stewardship albeit with little progress. But will the phoenix finally rise from the ashes? Inconsistency has been a mainstay with average performances seeing them languishing comfortably in the top half of the table. That said, they've deployed the services of veteran "head honcho" David Ouma who brings a wealth of experience having plied his trade in the KPL for the longest time. Moreover, bolstering their ranks with the addition of Ugandan striker Davis Kasirye, who is already off the mark against Nairobi City Stars in a friendly last week and return of goalkeeper Masike will prove critical for the upcoming season. Can Ouma conjure up some magic for the fallen giants this time round?

How will the newbies fair?

Just 2 seasons ago we witnessed the rise of Wazito and Zoo Kericho. Kericho,however, have since dropped to the National Super League whilst their counterparts have clung on to their position in the league.Despite the blended results, they have asserted their presence in the competition. What make of APS Bomet and Fortune Sacco? They will certainly be no pushovers that's for sure. Expect fireworks and huge upsets from these two sides.With eyes set on survival as noted by APS Bomet coach, it'll be a fascinating test of their mettle and poise. While they endeavor to emulate Talanta and Police FC, they have not been too eager to splash the cash on recruiting players. Adopting a policy of nurturing homegrown talent in balance of retaining the squad that helped with their promotion. I say they go win the league if they want to at this point. Good luck lads! 

The Homeboyz Break Their Duck

Fresh from a rip-roaring tale of a season compounded by walkovers(get to that abit later), it must have indeed felt anticlimactic for the men from Ingo,losing the title by goal difference. Third time's a charm perhaps and in their case, we'll certainly hope for the same as they reassemble the troops. Not only are they a well grounded, cohesive unit spearheaded by newly appointed John Baraza, who is making a comeback to the top tier after a coaching stint with National Super League side Mara Sugar but also seem to set their foot down for a pragmatic, business like approach. The stakes have been amplified for the new boss as the Kakamega side attempt to quash their hunger for a maidenn title. He definitely has his work cut out for him. 

Walkover or is it over? 

The sight of teams having to forfeit matches due to financial constraints as with Mathare last season leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of ardent fans and observers. It is well documented that KPL teams continue to be sapped by financial constraints attributed to not only mismanagement but also losing key sponsorships in the process, crippling operations.Only time will tell if the league to put this "shame" to bed indefinitely. 

ABAve and Shoulders 

There was an aura about this particular cabinet selection by His Excellency the President. A breathe of fresh air for the sports ministry : Mr Ababu Namwamba. He has donned Clark Kent's cloak and has been punching his way to action. Hitting the ground running with the resumption of football. The age of quick fixes (let's not jinx it)I reckon feels like fiction. His bullish personality has been central in not only upholding the rule of law but also restoring sanity and calm to an indisposed Kenyan football arena despite being relatively young in the docket.Moreover, this coming on the back end of FIFA's stance with regards to the same. Despite the enduring threat of corruption, he appears resolute to the magnonimous task of reinstating Kenyan Football to the International fold. It's been a fantastic start, without a doubt and the aspirations of bouyant fans are all but rekindled. I'm already rubbing my hands in sheer anticipation for his next move. Football may well have a watcher. Gotham city is in safe hands for now.