Sportpesa League Round 18 Preview: Golden Boot Showdown and a Three-Way Tie for the Golden Glove Define Weekend Action
The SportPesa League enters a pivotal stage this weekend as Round 18 kicks off on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. With the season well into its second half, the race for individual accolades is heating up just as intensely as the battle for the title.
A Direct Duel for the Golden Boot
While the “Mashemeji” giants (Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards) always draw the crowds, the tactical connoisseur’s choice this weekend is undoubtedly Sunday’s clash at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Ulinzi Stars host Murang’a Seal in a match that features the league’s two most lethal forwards facing off directly.
- Paul Okoth (Ulinzi Stars): Currently leads the charts with 9 goals.
- Joseph Irungu (Murang’a Seal): Hot on his heels with 8 goals.
It is a rare treat to see the #1 and #2 contenders for the Golden Boot share the same pitch. With Ulinzi’s defense looking to stifle Irungu, and Okoth looking to reach double digits, this 3:00 PM kick-off is the one to watch.
The Golden Glove Race: A Three-Way Deadlock
Defensive solidity has been the hallmark of the 2025/26 season, evidenced by a suffocatingly tight race for the Golden Glove. Going into Round 18, three goalkeepers are tied at the top with 8 Clean Sheets each:
- Humphrey Katasi (AFC Leopards)
- Job Ochieng (Kenya Police)
- Kevin Ouru (Mathare United)
All three are in action this weekend, looking to break the deadlock. Job Ochieng travels to Awendo to face Mara Sugar, while Kevin Ouru faces Posta Rangers at the Kasarani Annex.
However, all eyes will be on Humphrey Katasi on Sunday. He will be between the sticks for AFC Leopards against Sofapaka in the televised 4:00 PM kick-off at Kasarani Stadium. A shutout there would not only boost Ingwe’s title hopes but potentially put Katasi in sole possession of the lead.
Chasing the pack closely are Gor Mahia’s Byrne Omondi and Shabana’s Stephen Otieno, both sitting on 7 clean sheets.
Fixtures:
Saturday Action (24.01.2026)
Saturday features a packed schedule with five fixtures.
- Gor Mahia take on Bidco United at Kasarani Stadium (4:00 PM, Live on AzamTV). K’Ogalo’s forward Felix Oluoch (7 goals) will be looking to close the gap on the top scorers, while keeper Byrne Omondi eyes his 8th clean sheet.
- Shabana FC travel to the Green Stadium in Kericho to face APS Bomet in an early 2:00 PM kick-off, also live on AzamTV.
- Elsewhere, Bandari host Kariobangi Sharks at the KPA Sports Club, and Mara Sugar welcome Kenya Police to the Green Stadium in Awendo.
Sunday Action (25.01.2026)
The round concludes on Sunday with three matches:
- KCB vs Tusker (Kasarani Annex, 3:00 PM) – A battle of the bankers and the brewers that rarely lacks drama.
- Ulinzi Stars vs Murang’a Seal (Ulinzi Sports Complex, 3:00 PM).
- Sofapaka vs AFC Leopards (Kasarani Stadium, 4:00 PM, Live on AzamTV).
With the Golden Boot and Glove races this tight, Round 18 promises to be a statistically significant weekend for the SportPesa League.
