Champions Gor Mahia To Launch 2019/20 SPL Title Defense Against Tusker

21st June 2019

The SPL kicks off on Friday, August 30 with SportPesa Cup champions Kariobangi Sharks FC taking on Western Stima FC at the Kasarani Stadium

Gor Mahia FC celebrate after being handed the 2018/19 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) trophy after a 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday, May 25, 2019. PHOTO | DUNCAN SIRMA | SPN
Gor Mahia FC celebrate after being handed the 2018/19 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) trophy after a 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday, May 25, 2019. PHOTO | DUNCAN SIRMA | SPN
SUMMARY
  • SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions Gor Mahia FC will begin their title defense in the 2019/20 season against 2016 winners Tusker FC according to the official fixtures list released on Friday morning
  • Gor, who won a third successive title after amassing 72 points in the recently concluded SPL season, will host the brewers on Sunday, September 1 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos where they were handed the coveted trophy
  • SportPesa Shield champions Bandari FC, who have finished as runners-up in the last two seasons, will kick start their campaign away to 2008 champions Mathare United FC on Saturday, August 31

NAIROBI, Kenya- SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions Gor Mahia FC will begin their title defense in the 2019/20 season against 2016 winners Tusker FC according to the official fixtures list released on Friday morning.

Gor, who won a third successive title after amassing 72 points in the recently concluded SPL season, will host the brewers on Sunday, September 1 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos where they were handed the coveted trophy.

The SPL kicks off on Friday, August 30 with SportPesa Cup champions Kariobangi Sharks FC taking on Western Stima FC at the Kasarani Stadium.

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This season will be the first in Kenyan football history that the fixtures will be aligned with the international FIFA calendar, meaning the transfer window will close on Monday, September 2.

SportPesa Shield champions Bandari FC, who have finished as runners-up in the last two seasons, will kick start their campaign away to 2008 champions Mathare United FC on Saturday, August 31.

Bandari got revenge over Sharks to win the domestic cup and Bernard Mwalala’s charges will be looking to continue their consistent form as they continue to seek a maiden league title.

Gor and Bandari will however curtain raise for the start of the SPL season on Sunday, August 18 in the Kenya Premier League (KPL) Super Cup.

The KPL Super Cup is a match contested by the league and domestic cup winners, similar to the English Premier League’s FA Community Shield.

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Posta Rangers FC barely survived the drop and had to beat Nairobi Stima FC in a two-legged playoff to cement their top flight status and will have a tough test against Sofapaka FC during round one.

John Baraza’s Sofapaka battled to a third place finish, ten points behind winners Gor and will need to display more hunger if they are to add to the only title they won a decade ago.

National Super League (NSL) winners Wazito FC return to the SPL after a yearlong hiatus and their first test back in the big leagues will be against Nzoia Sugar FC in Machakos.

Kisumu All Stars FC is the only team making their debut in the top flight and a home game against 2010 winners Ulinzi Stars FC will be their first slice of SPL action at the Moi Stadium.

A western derby is also on the cards during the opening round as Kakamega Homeboyz FC will host 13-time winners AFC Leopards SC at the Bukhungu Stadium.

2019/20 SPL ROUND ONE FIXTURES (All matches kick off at 3pm unless stated)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

Kariobangi Sharks FC vs Western Stima FC – Kasarani Stadium

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

Wazito FC vs Nzoia Sugar FC – 2pm – Kenyatta Stadium

Kisumu All Stars FC vs Ulinzi Stars FC – Moi Stadium

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Mathare United FC vs Bandari FC – Kasarani Stadium

Sony Sugar FC vs KCB FC – Awendo Green Stadium

Sofapaka FC vs Posta Rangers FC – 4:15pm – Kenyatta Stadium

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Gor Mahia FC vs Tusker FC – Kenyatta Stadium

Kakamega Homeboyz FC vs AFC Leopards SC – Bukhungu Stadium’

Zoo FC vs Chemelil Sugar FC – Kericho Green Stadium