Newly promoted KRU Championship side AP Warriors are keen to establish themselves in the second tier, with head coach Levy Amunga identifying survival and a possible playoff berth as their primary targets.
Amunga, who masterminded the club’s historic promotion, acknowledges the challenges of stepping into a higher competitive environment but insists his players are ready for the task. “Our primary target is to secure our status in the division and push for a playoff berth, though we recognise this is a completely new landscape for us,” Amunga said.
The former KCB fly-half and fullback expects a steep learning curve but believes his squad has the character and determination to compete. “It will be a steep learning curve, but I have full confidence in the group. We are approaching the season with an open mind and a genuine willingness to learn,” he added.
The Warriors laid their pre-season foundation immediately after the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit, where they featured selectively in the Prinsloo and Kabeberi legs, before switching their attention to the 15-a-side format. They stepped up their preparations last weekend with two controlled friendlies against fellow law enforcement teams, beating Kenya Police 10-5 and Kenya Prisons 12-0.
Amunga said the matches offered an important opportunity to assess players’ fitness levels and tactical combinations ahead of their Championship debut. The team were also scheduled to face newly promoted Kenya Cup side JKUAT Cougars in their final warm-up fixture on Thursday.
Although coy about possible player acquisitions, Amunga said details on the final squad would be unveiled before the opening match.
AP Warriors begin their campaign away in Kakamega against Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on November 21.
“We are relishing the fixture. It will be a difficult assignment against an experienced side that dropped down from the top tier last season, but our players respect the challenge without fearing it. Every match will be an opportunity to prove our growth,” he said.
MMUST and Kisumu were relegated from the Kenya Cup in the 2025/26 season and will be eager to secure a return to the top flight.
For AP Warriors, facing such established opponents from the outset will provide an early indication of how well they have adapted to life in the Championship.
