Lucky charm Emes strike earns Stima NSL promotion

Coast Stima FC defeated Timsales FC 1-0 in the Division One promotion playoff at the Camp Toyoyo Grounds to guarantee their place in next season’s National Super League.

Nigerian Lucky Eme scored the priceless winner in the 69th minute as the Coastal-based side finally soared a rank higher after two failed attempts.

“I’m happy we have finally done it by the grace of God but we shall face a tougher challenge next year so we have to prepare early,” Coach Swaleh Kinero said post-match.

Stima FC thus join Kangemi AllStars and Kakamega High School’s Green Commandos among teams that will take part in next year’s NSL campaign.

AllStars and Green Commandos booked their slots the easy way via automatic qualification having finished top of their respective Division One Zones.

Timsales who are based in Elburgon were second behind Green Commandos in Zone B with Stima finishing runner’s up in Zone A after AllStars.

The situation means there will be three teams affiliated to the Kenya Power and Lighting (KPLC) playing in the second tier, including Nairobi Stima and Western Stima FC who were relegated from the top flight.

It puts their status in jeopardy unless changes are effected according the statutes world governing body FIFA.

Article 18.2 of statutes regarding the ownership of affiliated clubs states that, “Every member shall ensure that it’s affiliated clubs can take all decisions on any matters regarding membership independently of any external body. This obligation applies regardless of any affiliates club’s corporate structure. In any case the member shall ensure that neither a natural nor a legal person (including holding companies and subsidiaries) exercises control over more than one club whenever the integrity of any match or competition could be jeopardized”.