AFC Leopards will kick-start their new FKF Premier League campaign on Wednesday afternoon with a clear objective: secure maximum points against Bandari FC at Police Sacco Grounds in South C, with kick-off scheduled for 4 pm.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe fixture was initially scheduled for Sunday but was postponed due to no suitable venue being available. Ingwe, who boast one of the largest fan bases in Kenyan football, will host a league match at Police Sacco Grounds for the first time, with their traditional home ground, Nyayo National Stadium, unavailable.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027773##Having finished behind record league champions Gor Mahia last season, Leopards are determined to mount a stronger title challenge and end their 29-year wait for league glory.Head coach Fred Ambani has made it clear that the club's ambitions have risen following last season's second-place finish, with the title now firmly in their sights.“Definitely, we cannot do anything below the second position from last year's performance, so now we aim higher and, for sure, we are going for the title,” Ambani said.Ambani's plan to dethrone Gor Mahia as AFC Leopards commence new seasonThe former Leopards midfielder also underlined the importance of starting the campaign on a positive note, insisting that his players understand the need to set the right tone from the opening fixture.“We have talked to the players about the need for a solid outing. We want to start strongly, and that is what we have made them aware of because this season we are aiming higher and want to win big.That explains the emphasis on starting strongly against Bandari FC,” he stated.##NAJAVA_MECA_10028723##Bandari, however, will provide a stern test for the hosts as they begin a new chapter under head coach Charles Okere.The Dockers head into the contest looking to put last season's disappointing campaign behind them. They endured a frustrating run of results, drawing 17 of their league matches, a record they will be keen to improve on as they seek a more competitive outing this term.Gor Mahia's title defense off to perfect start in historic night clashTheir pre-season preparations have offered some encouragement, with a 2-0 victory over Kenya Police FC suggesting that the Mombasa-based side could be a more formidable proposition under their new technical bench.Okere believes his players are ready for the challenge and has set his sights on competing for the league title.“We have had a good pre-season, and the players are well prepared for our opening match against AFC Leopards. Our target this season is to compete for the league title, and we are ready for the challenge,” he said in an interview with Citizen Digital.Talanta Stadium confirmed for first major international sporting eventWhile acknowledging the quality of their opponents, the Bandari coach expressed confidence that his side can make a strong start.“They are a strong team to play against, but we have a plan. Since this is our first match of the season, it means a lot in determining how our campaign will shape up,” he added.Mombasa United begin top-flight journey against Homeboyz##NAJAVA_MECA_10028717##In the other match of the day, newly promoted Mombasa United will get their first taste of top-flight football when they host Kakamega Homeboyz at Mbaraki Sports Club, with kick-off set for 3 pm.Mombasa United secured their place in the top tier after being awarded their abandoned promotion/relegation play-off against Kariobangi Sharks, paving the way for their entry into the Premier League.They face a Kakamega Homeboyz side that has undergone a major rebuild under new head coach Edward Manoah, with the club bringing in nearly 20 players ahead of the new campaign.Robert Matano slams current state of Kenyan football
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