Nzoia, Nakumatt in potential NSL stroll as Shabana rocks

The fate of Shabana FC remains in doubt as the National Super League (NSL) continues this weekend with round 26 of the fixtures where leaders Nzoia United and Nakumatt FC expect to collect maximum points when they visit struggling opponents.

Shabana suffered a cruel blow on Friday when their secretary general, Evans Kibagendi, quit ahead of Sunday’s clash against fifth-placed Zoo Kericho.

The fallen former top flight giants from Kisii have already forfeited two fixtures this season and a third will trigger automatic demotion from the NSL according to Football Kenya Federation rules with reports the players have gone unpaid for over two months.

KCB and Kariobangi Sharks will see their home tie against Nakuru All Stars and visit to Agro Chemicals in that order postponed since they are featuring in the semi finals of the GOtv Shield Cup.

Unbeaten Nzoia who lead the standings on 61 points, nine clear of Nakumatt visit 12th-placed Wazito FC (29) as the retailers, who went down 1-0 to Vihiga (49) in third, seek to recover when they take on St. Joseph FC (22) who are down in 17th.

Vihiga are at their Mumias Sports Complex home against struggling FC Talanta (21) in 18th on what should be an easy afternoon for them on paper in their quest to pile pressure on Nakumatt.

Talanta beat Shabana FC 1-0 to keep their survival hopes alive at Nairobi’s Ruaraka Stadium to open a six-point cushion with second from bottom Ligi Ndogo.

Vihiga skipper George Odiwour is doubtful as he works to get match fit after a lay-off while midfielder Dennis Lugalia is still out injured.

“Our concentration is on tomorrow’s (Saturday) match because a draw or lose can displace our current position.

“George is training with us though he might not play because he is just from injury and he needs some time for fit with other players who had injuries,” Vihiga team manager Arthur Ominde stated.

His opposite number at Talanta, Willis Waliaula, is eyeing at least a point from their tough visit to Mumias as they seek to put more distance between them and the top two.

“We hope for the best this weekend because we are well prepared. I believe we will be out of the drop zone. Since I joined Talanta things are going well, the team is united and I believe we can do better,” Waliaula, the former AFC Leopards team manager underscored.

The mid-table battle between Bidco United in eighth (37) and Palos who are a place below and a point adrift in Thika will be the highlight of Saturday’s action.

FIXTURES

Saturday

16:00     Bidco United v Palos FC

16:00     Modern Coast Rangers v Nairobi Stima

16:00 Vihiga United v FC Talanta

16:00 Wazito FC v Nzoia United

Sunday

15:00 Shabana v Zoo Kericho

16:00 Moyas FC v Oserian

16:00 Nakumatt v St Joseph FC

16:00Police FC v Ligi Ndogo

-Report by Richard Obaga and Ali Endere