Africa-Press – Kenya. AFC Leopards will lock horns with Kenyan Premier League rivals Ulinzi Stars in a build-up match at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Both teams have witnessed a beehive of activities in their camps ahead of the new season, which kicks off on September 10.
Leopards have gauged their strength in three pre-season friendly matches thus far.
They thumped lower-tier side K-Sport 3-0, pipped topflight debutants APS Bomet FC 2-1 and demolished Division One outfit Githurai All Stars 6-1.
The Patrick Aussems-tutored side’s itinerary includes a trip to Western Kenya next week, where they will be involved in a series of friendly matches before their season opener against Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium on September 11.
Their fortunes have been boosted by a three-year Sh195 million sponsorship deal with Betika.
Despite boasting of deep pockets now, the 13-time Kenyan champions will have to rely on a squad largely comprising players drawn from the academy side.
Efforts to bolster their squad have been frustrated by an existing transfer embargo imposed by the world football governing body, Fifa, earlier in the year.
Leopards lost their star players following a mass exodus after the 2020/2021 season and had to turn to their academy side for options.
They shook off a torrid start to crack a top-five finish last season.
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