Nakumatt FC set sights on NSL leaders Nzoia in top clash

Following emphatic performances of National Super League (NSL) sides in the GoTv Shield Cup over the weekend, the country has stood up to take notice of the strength of the second-tier ahead of the top-of-the-table clash between leaders Nzoia United and Nakumatt FC at Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi.

Whilst Nakumatt were quiet over the weekend, Nzoia ended their run in the Shield on Saturday through the lottery of penalties against Ulinzi Stars after a 1-1 draw, taking the soldiers all the way in a nail-biting 4-5 loss in the shootout.

It was the first loss of any kind for the former national champions who are looking all but a Kenyan Premier League side having opened a six point gap at the summit ahead of Nakumatt (51) who are four clear of third placed Zoo Kericho (44) as the promotion race gathers momentum.

Both teams come into the meeting at the back of 1-0 wins against Oserian FC and Ligi Ndogo, with the sugar men aiming to increase the gap between them to nine points to all but crown their ascent to the top tier.

On-fire Masita Bitolwa Masuta will be seeking to increase his tally, his goal having made the difference between his side and Ligi Ndogo the last time out.

But his side will be against a formidable defence, with the retailers boasting the fourth meanest rearguards in the NSL, having conceded only 18 goals in 23 outings.

“Nzoia Sugar is a good team, and we respect them. It’s not the first time we are playing them, we have played them not only this year, but last year as well- whenever we meet, all just goes well,” Nakumatt chairman, Albert Wesonga, told Citizen Digital.

“The only doubt we have for our Wednesday date is Stephen Omondi, who got an injury in our previous match. He just resumed training but we are not sure about using him,” he added.

Speaking separately, his Nzoia counterpart Yapets Mokua said their scouting and selecting players on merit has been Nzoia’s secret of maintaining unbeaten run in the second-tier.

‘’We can’t say we have already won the league but we are in a strong position. I’m quite sure everyone else in our division would want to be in our position that should tell you that we are better placed,” he added.

Zoo moved to third having beaten Palos FC 2-0 at the expense of Kariobangi Sharks who dropped to fifth (44) having been engaged in the Shield where they ended the reign of holders Bandari FC with Vihiga United who swept aside struggling Shabana FC 3-1 on Sunday in fourth (46).

Modern Coast (27) climbed up two places to 13th with a 2-1 win against Nakuru All-Stars who dropped to 15th (24) while eighth placed Bidco United (37) beat Agrochemicals 2-0 who fell to seventh with the same tally but with a better goal difference.