Tusker fall to KCB in season opener as FKF makes raft changes to Premier League

Tusker FC started their campaign to fight for the Kenyan Premier League title on a sour note after losing 2-0 against KCB in the opening fixture of the top-flight league at Kasarani Stadium played under the floodlights on Friday.

Former Gor Mahia winger Boniface Omondi was the hero for the Bankers, who are managed by former Tusker coach Robert Matano after he grabbed a brace. His first goal came in the 19th minute after he headed home a cross from December Kisakah.

With the Brewers working hard to level the scores, striker Eric Kapaito coming twice close in the 24th and 30th minute, KCB doubled their lead when Omondi found the back of the net from close range for a 2-0 lead at the half-time break.

In the second half, Tusker had another glorious opportunity to reduce the deficit after being awarded a penalty, but Kapaito skied his effort way high for KCB to keep the scoreline. The league action will return on Saturday with Kariobangi Sharks set to host Bandari at Kasarani Annex while AFC Leopards will come up against Sofapaka at Ulinzi Complex.

On Sunday, Shabana FC will kick off their campaign against promoted side APS Bomet while Muranga’s Seal, who were almost relegated in the previous campaign, will take on Ulinzi Stars at SportPesa Arena.

FKF unveil key changes for the 2025-26 season

Meanwhile, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National Executive Committee (NEC) has announced a raft of resolutions that will guide the 2025-26 league season, including significant changes to league compositions, promotion and relegation formats, and player registration rules.

According to a statement from FKF seen by Pan-Africa Football, the NEC confirmed that the SportPesa League will retain its 18-team format, while the National Super League (NSL) will continue with 20 teams.

In the women’s competitions, the FKF Women’s Premier League will remain a 12-team contest, with the FKF Women’s National Super League holding steady at 24 teams. However, a key change was the abolition of the SportPesa League/NSL promotion-relegation play-off.

From now henceforth, the bottom three teams in the SportPesa League will be relegated directly to the National Super League, while the top three NSL teams will earn automatic promotion to the SportPesa League