Police on brink of FKF-PL glory with Shabana showdown

A point against Shabana would put Police on 64 points, leaving second-placed Gor Mahia mathematically unable to catch them with only one match remaining.

Shabana are however determined to put Police FC’s champagne on ice in the 33rd round of the league as the resurgent Gusii-based side aim for the best ever league finish position this season.

They are currently placed fifth in the standings on 52 points, just three behind second placed Gor Mahia.

If Police stumble in the penultimate round, they will have to wait until June 22, when they will face reigning champions Gor Mahia in a do-or-die clash, a high-stakes encounter no team would want to rely on.

Gor’s slim hopes of clinching a record-extending 22nd title took a major blow on June 2 after they were held to a 1-1 draw by arch-rivals AFC Leopards in Homa Bay.

Only two consecutive losses by Police and Gor winning both of their remaining games would see K’Ogalo snatch the crown.

Interim head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has acknowledged Gor’s recent poor run of form but insists they can still be positive heading into their clash against Ulinzi Stars.

“We know we haven’t been at our best with the draws we have had, but I believe we are still in contention for the title even if our chances look slim. We have trained well, and we should stay focused and give our best against Ulinzi,” said Zico.

“The break we had gave us enough rest and a chance to fix our mistakes. Now we must perform well, and we call upon all our fans to show up in support so that we can finish the season on a high note,” added captain Philemon Otieno.

In other fixtures, title-bottlers Tusker face Kariobangi Sharks at Ruaraka Grounds and even if the Brewers with the two matches they are realistically out of the title reach, unless Gor and Police lose their two remaining matches with more than ten goals.

The Charles Okere-coached side held a significant lead for much of the second leg of the season but they ultimately fell short in the league run-in.

They are third on 55 points, level with Gor Mahia who boast a superior goal difference.

On the flip side of the league, the relegation battle is indeed very close with six teams in tight contention of avoiding the chop.

Mara Sugar, who are placed 13th on 35 points, are just four points above bottom placed City Stars (31 points) meaning if the Nairobi-based team can still survive if they pick maximum points in the last two matches and hope the other teams stumble.

Emmanuel Osoro’s Talanta FC are 14th in the standings on 35 points while Posta Rangers lie 15th one point below.

Murang’a SEAL occupy the playoff slot in 16th on 33 points while Bidco United (32) and City Stars are in the danger zone.