Former Harambee Stars head coach Twahir Muhiddin expects the 2026-2027 Kenyan Premier League title race to develop into another fascinating battle between arch-rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsMuhiddin, who previously coached Leopards, believes the two traditional giants are well placed to dominate the championship conversation as they renew one of the biggest rivalries in Kenyan football.“It is the trademark of Kenyan football to see community clubs like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards competing at the very top level," Muhiddin told Radio Citizen."Looking at the preparation matches we have seen so far and considering the quality of our league, the season is going to be highly competitive.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9928322##The veteran tactician does not expect the championship to be decided early, predicting that the two sides could remain locked in the contest until the final day.“It will be difficult to predict who will win. I think the title race will go all the way to the final match of the season.”AFC Leopards have strong reason to believe they can go one better after pushing Gor Mahia hard for the title last season.Ingwe finished runners-up with 64 points, five behind Gor Mahia after their challenge faded in the closing stages of last season.Leopards have since used the off-season to strengthen their squad as they prepare for another title assault. Gor Mahia coach opens up on possibility of reuniting with former FKFPL MVPThey have recruited well while also adding experience to their technical department, with former Bandari FC head coach Bernard Mwalala joining Fred Ambani's backroom staff as an assistant coach.Mwalala's arrival is expected to add further technical experience to a side that showed considerable improvement last season.Their preparations have also produced encouraging results. Leopards have remained unbeaten in their pre-season matches, recording victories over Kakamega Homeboyz, Nairobi United and Ugandan giants KCCA FC.Muhiddin, however, has warned Leopards against reading too much into their friendly results.“Leopards should not relax. They must keep their heads high and their feet on the ground because the challenge has already arrived.These are friendly matches, and there are many things to try during pre-season. But they have done well, and that will boost their confidence as they pursue their first title in 28 years.”Boost for AFC Leopards as influential duo make injury returnGor Mahia, meanwhile, have also strengthened their squad during the off-season as they prepare to defend their domestic crown while simultaneously pursuing continental success.The champions have assembled a squad designed to compete on two fronts, with their immediate priority now shifting to the CAF Champions League.Gor Mahia begin their continental campaign against Egyptian side Pyramids FC, with the first leg of their preliminary-round tie scheduled for Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.Their preparations for the new campaign have not been entirely smooth, however. K’Ogalo suffered a 3-1 defeat to Tusker in the FKF Super Cup shortly after reaching the CECAFA Kagame Cup final in Rwanda, where they lost 2-1 to Rayon Sports.Muhiddin believes the demanding CECAFA campaign contributed to their disappointing Super Cup performance.“Gor Mahia were not ready when they lost 3-1 to Tusker.They had just completed a high-intensity CECAFA tournament in Rwanda, where almost seven of their players suffered injuries.”With both clubs strengthening their squads and improving their technical departments, the battle for the league title could once again come down to the two most decorated and fiercely supported clubs in Kenyan football.Harambee Stars winger puts himself in Real Sociedad frame after Real Madrid displayAFC Leopards will begin their league campaign against Bandari FC, while defending champions Gor Mahia are scheduled to open their title defence against Murang’a Seal FC.For Ingwe, the objective is to end a 28-year wait for the championship. For Gor Mahia, it is about retaining the crown while balancing the demands of domestic football with their CAF Champions League ambitions.