FKFPL Posta seek redemption against Ulinzi as KCB aim to close in on Gor Mahia

Posta Rangers and KCB aim to close the gap on Gor Mahia while Kariobangi Sharks take on FC Talanta in key clashes.

Posta Rangers are out to crank up the pressure on table-toppers Gor Mahia when they take on Ulinzi Stars in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) clash at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Thursday afternoon.

The Mailmen have been on a rollercoaster ride this season, and as they head into the Christmas break, they are eager to bounce back from a three-match winless streak in the league.

Rangers' recent form showcases their resilience, with seven wins, three losses, and five draws in their last 15 matches.

Despite their recent hiccup, they sit comfortably in fourth place in the standings with 26 points. Their rivals, Gor Mahia, currently occupy the top spot with 31 points, setting the stage for an exciting title race.

Head coach John Kamau, determined to steer his side to their maiden title, is ready to rally his troops and change their fortunes.

The experienced gaffer believes that after years of developing players, it's high time they pursued championship glory.

Speaking about their performance, Kamau stated, "Myself, I am not [satisfied] because I think this being my 12th year in the Kenyan Premier League, I think on my side I should be in a position to start [competing]. After all the work I have been doing developing players, I think it is time that I tried to chase a title, so for myself, I think I have underdeveloped."

A key figure in Rangers' campaign has been the highly-rated center-back, Kennedy Owino, whose set-piece deliveries pose a constant threat to opponents. His contributions on both ends of the pitch have been invaluable to the team.

On the other hand, Ulinzi Stars have experienced a turbulent run, with three losses, two draws, and one win in their last five matches.

Hosting Rangers at home provides them with an opportunity to hunt for maximum points and climb up the table.

Their recent form includes defeats to Kenya Police FC and Kakamega Homeboyz, a win against FC Talanta, a draw with Murang'a Seal, and a loss to Nairobi City Stars.

Sitting in 12th place on the league table with 17 points from 15 games, Ulinzi Stars are motivated to push for a more respectable position as they approach the end of the first round.

The team's primary goal-scorer Boniface Muchiri, a hard-working attacker, has netted six goals in the league and possesses the capabilities to inspire the Soldiers to victory over Posta.

When it comes to their head-to-head encounters, both teams have clashed 15 times, with Ulinzi securing four wins, Posta claiming three victories, and eight matches ending in draws.

The history between these two sides adds an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming battle.

In addition to the Posta Rangers versus Ulinzi Stars clash, Thursday's fixtures also include three other thrilling matchups.

KCB, currently in second place on the table with 27 points, will welcome bottom-placed Nzoia Sugar to the Police Sacco Stadium.

The Bankers enter this encounter with a high level of confidence after their recent victory over Police FC in the Premier League, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches.

Their consistent form has seen them secure wins against formidable opponents like Muranga Seal and Bidco United. The team's defensive stability and goal-scoring prowess were evident in their resounding 3-0 victory over Bidco.

In contrast, Nzoia Sugar is grappling with a recent loss to Tusker FC and a frustrating winless streak of five matches in the Premier League.

Their struggles primarily revolve around their defensive performance, having conceded 12 goals in their last five consecutive matches. With only one win in their last six matches, obtained against Kariobangi Sharks, Nzoia Sugar faces a daunting task against the confident KCB side.

Meanwhile, FC Talanta will square off against Kariobangi Sharks at the Machakos Stadium.

Talanta, coming off a defeat against Gor Mahia and a four-game winless streak, is under increased scrutiny, particularly as their forwards have struggled to find the net in the last three matches.

Nevertheless, Talanta has managed to secure two victories in their last six matches, winning 2-0 against Muhoroni Youth and delivering a convincing 3-0 win over Sofapaka.

Kariobangi Sharks, on the other hand, enters the match after a draw against Bidco United and a sequence of conceding goals in three consecutive away matches.

The Slum Boys recently faced a setback in their clash against Sofapaka and have recorded just three wins in their last 15 matches. 

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