NSL Review: Nzoia move top, Shabana fate unclear

Nzoia United posted the biggest win of the weekend, brushing aside Wazito FC 3-0 to remain unbeaten in the National Super League (NSL) after seven rounds thereby unseating Zoo Kericho FC who were not in action from the summit of the competition.

Zoo were scheduled to play the axed West Kenya Sugar with the league reduced to 19 teams with a week left for former giants Shabana FC to offer the financial guarantee required to take part in the second-tier after they were re-instated by the Sports Tribunal a fortnight ago.

Nakumatt FC charged up to second on 15 points, two adrift of the former top flight champions Nzoia after notching a 2-1 away victory as they moved above Zoo having played a game more on goal difference with KCB winning the battle of the relegated SportsPesa Premier League sides when they silenced hosts Nakuru All Stars 2-1 on Sunday.

Palos, Kariobangi Sharks and Oserian all won at home, beating Agro Chemicals, Vihiga United and Moyas.

The results left the fourth and 10th teams on the log separated by only three points with Agro Chemicals (14), Sharks (14), Bidco United (13), Palos (12), All Stars (11), Nairobi Stima (11) and KCB (11) following each other in that order.

Vihiga who have now won only once in the last six once again blamed their woes on poor officiating at their game played at Nairobi’s Ruaraka Grounds as they slipped to the bottom half on 10 following their blistering start to the campaign.

Ligi Ndogo’s slump persisted as they fell 2-0 to Bidco for a third straight loss and now third from bottom in the NSL table, having played an extra match over FC Talanta and Modern Coast Rangers who prop the standings.

Elsewhere, Shabana’s imminent re-admission to the second-tier took a tumble after a potential sponsor the club has been courting distanced himself from claims that they were ready to finance their transport.

Transline Classic, a public transport company that heavily operates in the Gusii region, denied the allegations.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, firm manager, Kamau Monde explained the company’s position on the issue.

“No one has approached us with such a proposal. We have not reached any agreement nor had any discussion regarding the issue of becoming Shabana’s official sponsors,” he affirmed.

Last week, the team’s organizing secretary Steve Kiama declared that the team would beat Football Kenya Federation’s two-week deadline to prove its financial ability to sustain themselves in the country’s second-tier league saying they were in sponsorship talks with the transporters.

The federation was compelled by the Sports tribunal to include Shabana in the NSL even after the competition’s committee chairman David Gikaria declared that it was too late to bring on board another team after West Sugar’s exit.

-Gameweek eight results-

Saturday, April 23.

Ligi Ndogo 0-2 Bidco

Nzoia United  3-0 Wazito

Oserian 2-0 Moyas

Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 Vihiga United

Sunday, April 24.

St Joseph Fc 0-0 Modern Coast

FC Talanta 1-2 Police

Nakuru All Stars 1-2 KCB

Nairobi Stma 1-2 Nakumatt

Palos 2-0 Agro Chemicals.