KCB seek first win as Gor Mahia brace for APS Bomet test

KCB seek first win as Gor Mahia brace for APS Bomet test - KCB keeper training ahead of the Mathare United clash at Police Sacco Stadium. (Photo: KCB/Facebook)

Under three-time league-winning coach Robert Matano, KCB will be banking on their superior head-to-head record to strengthen their chances of securing their first win of the campaign.

KCB will be looking to turn their opening-day draw into a victory when they host Mathare United at Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday, while league champions Gor Mahia face a potentially tricky away assignment against APS Bomet in Homa Bay.

The Bankers were unable to collect maximum points against Nairobi United in their first match of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season and will be keen to make home advantage count against a Mathare side that has proved a difficult opponent in previous encounters.

Under three-time league-winning coach Robert Matano, KCB will be banking on their superior head-to-head record to strengthen their chances of securing their first win of the campaign.

The Bankers have won nine of the 17 previous meetings between the sides, while Mathare have registered three victories. The other five matches have ended in draws.

However, Matano expects a competitive encounter and has warned that his players must find a way past Mathare's organised defence.

KCB head coach Robert Matano. (Photo: KCB FC/Facebook)

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“They are a well-organised side. They are a strong team, and we will try to unlock that. It will be a tough call, but we will aim to win the contest,” he said.

Midfielder Brian Ouru, who is set to face his former employers, believes the preparations have helped KCB address their biggest weakness from the opening match, particularly their finishing.

“We have had good preparations by working on our main undoing, which was scoring, and yes, I am confident we will score and win the tie,” Ouru said.

Mathare will take confidence from their 1-0 victory over KCB in the first-leg meeting last season, although the Bankers claimed a 2-1 win in the return fixture.

Gor Mahia face familiar threat in Homa Bay

While KCB pursue their first three points, Gor Mahia will be aiming to maintain their winning start when they visit APS Bomet at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.

Charles Akonnor's charges opened their title defence with a 4-2 victory over Murang'a SEAL on Tuesday, October 13, a result that lifted the record champions to the top of the standings on goal difference.

But APS Bomet will offer a different challenge, having demonstrated last season that they can trouble even the country's most established clubs.

Gor Mahia FC players pose during a past fixture. (Photo: Gor/Facebook)

The Law Enforcers handed Gor Mahia one of their most disappointing results of the previous campaign, thrashing them 4-1 at Nyayo National Stadium. Hansel Ochieng, who has since joined K'Ogalo, scored twice for Bomet in that encounter.

Gor Mahia eventually responded in the reverse fixture at Kericho Green Stadium, claiming a 2-1 victory to ensure the two teams shared the spoils across their league meetings.

That history gives Saturday's encounter an added edge, with Bomet seeking another statement result against the champions and Gor Mahia determined to avoid a repeat of their heavy defeat.

Akonnor's side will need to combine the attacking threat they displayed against Murang'a SEAL with greater defensive discipline if they are to secure back-to-back victories and maintain their early position at the summit.

For Gor Mahia, another three points would strengthen their start to the season. For APS Bomet, the match presents an opportunity to show that last season's victory was no isolated achievement.

With KCB and Mathare United also desperate to get their campaigns moving, Saturday's fixtures offer an early test of how quickly the four sides can turn their ambitions into results.