Battle for promotion to KPL intensifies as Vihiga, Police lock horns

The National Super League (NSL) gets into round 30 this weekend as the race for promotion to the Kenya Premier League (KPL) heats up.

Vihiga will be taking on the might of Kenya Premier League on Saturday as they look to redeem themselves after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kibera Black Stars in their last match.

Vihiga assistant coach Francis Xavier says they are ready to make amends on their loss, adding that being at the top comes with additional pressure.

“It is normal to be under pressure when you are at the top but what matters is how you handle that. We have talked with the boys and we have realized what went wrong,” Xavier told Citizen Digital.
Xavier also affirmed that their fight for promotion to the top flight league is still alive despite the tough competition at the top of the league where only two points separate the top four teams.

“Our ambition to play in KPL next season is still very much alive, we welcome the stiff competition because it will push us to work much harder,” said Xavier.

On the other hand, Kenya Police which is sixth on the log on 39 points will be no easy prey as they are unbeaten in their last three matches.

Police head coach Charles Omondi has said that he expects a tough battle but was quick to warn that they are going for nothing short of a win.

“We are well prepared for the match against Vihiga and we are only going for the three points, so it will be a good battle for the two teams because each team will be going for a win,” Omondi said.

Meanwhile, KCB will be entertaining minnows Mosca who are bottom of the table as they look to pile more pressure on Vihiga .

The bankers are enjoying a sensational form so far; having won in their last four consecutive league matches.

In another battle of titans, Wazito FC will take on Nairobi Stima at Camp Toyoyo grounds. Stima are fourth on the log with 56 points, six points ahead of Wazito who are fifth with a game on hand.

In other matches slated for Saturday, Nakuru All Stars will take on third placed Ushuru FC at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru, as Eldoret’s GFE 105 entertains Isibania at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium. Both matches begin at 3pm.

Saturday

Kenya Police vs Vihiga United                             3pm              Karuturi

GFE 105 vs Isibania                                            3pm               Kipchoge Keino

KCB vs MOSCA                                                  1pm               Camp Toyoyo

Wazito vs Nairobi Stima                                      3pm               Camp Toyoyo

Nakuru AllStars vs Ushuru                                  3pm               Afraha

Report by Gilbert Kiprotich