Previously known as the Super Cup, the traditional season curtain-raiser is destined to capture stepped-up interest.

Following new sponsorship, it will be known as the SuperSport/DStv Champions Cup. SuperSport will televise it “live” from 4pm.

For the first time there will be prize money with the winners earning Sh500 000 and the losers Sh250 000.

Perceived pre-season form will heavily favour Sofapaka, who had a useful tune-up in December during the six-team Tusker Cup tournament in Tanzania where the Kenyans lost in the final to Dar es Salaam giants Young Africans.

Sofapaka also had the most vibrant recruitment when they brought in major players in the KPL from other sides. Conversely, AFC Leopards’ post-season was full of administration problems only resolved a few days ago.

New head coach, Chris Makokha, who was with the team in its heydays between 1981 and ’83, said hours before the Sunday clash that Leopards were badly handicapped. “If there was a way to postpone the fixture, it would have pleased us. We just aren’t ready.

Jack Oguda, the KPL Chief Executive Officer, meanwhile issued some important notices about the match including:-

KPL/Supersport/DStv to have exclusive stadium branding.

KPL official sponsors will be entitled to branding as well.

Supersport/DStv will host the VIP at the stadium and provide entertainment.

The Cup clash will be preceded by a match at 1:30pm, KPL Select 11 v ex-Kenya Internationals 11