Mwalala counts Nzoia’s losing display among best

Nzoia United Head Coach Bernard Mwalala has labeled the National Super League (NSL) champions’ display against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday as one of their season’s best.

This comes in the wake of wide criticism that the side staged a low gear performance to allow Kariobangi Sharks – a club associated with the current Football Kenya Federation (FKF) boss Nick Mwendwa – secure an automatic qualification spot to the country’s top-flight league.

Nzoia’s 1-0 to the Sharks loss in was the first in their entire 2016 campaign, a result that saw them secure their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) status at the expense of Zoo Kericho FC who had done their part of the job in dismantling FC Talanta 5-0 at home.

The huge win nonetheless counted for nothing as the Patillah Omoto’s goal saw the Sharks build an unassailable points lead to leave Zoo’s promotion hanging in the balance.

“We have worked hard all season, qualified for the KPL and my boys have gone the extra mile to remain consistently tough all season. Today, they played the best match since the league began in January; we struggled to score because unfortunately our opponents were very solid at the back. I congratulate Sharks and the entire team at large for their efforts to play KPL next season,” Mwalala told Citizen Digital.

Much as the allegations continue to fly left, right and center the Sharks’ win at the Sudi Stadium on Saturday was far off a shock win. William Muluya’s men have been by far the most consistent team over the second NSL leg, losing none of their 19 matches during this phase and coming from behind to scale above Zoo and Nakumatt FC.

“I appreciate my boys’ efforts which have lead to our triumph. I believe they will carry on with the same spirit as we prepare for the KPL,” a confident Muluhya assessed.

The Sharks ended their season on 83 points, only two above Zoo with Nakumatt a further six points adrift. Nzoia finished only eight shy of a century of points in a gallantly brilliant campaign that saw them lose only two matches from 38.

-Report by Ali Endere.