Nzoia standing in Sharks way as NSL curtains fall

Amid the uncertainty of the National Super League (NSL) promotion criteria, Kariobangi Sharks and Zoo Kericho FC resume their cut-throat race for second place – the only other available automatic top-tier qualification spot – for one last round as the league draws to a close over the weekend.

Having labored to see off a resolute Ligi Ndogo side fighting for its dear NSL status last Saturday, the Sharks hoped Zoo would crumble beneath the pressure of playing catch but the Kericho-based side responded with a similarly nervy win away at Bidco United a day later.

Nakumatt FC who are on 77 points stand the least chance but more than once this season they have refused to be written off, picking crucial wins when they mattered. Last weekend’s 2-1 win over Modern Coast Rangers at the Mbaraki Stadium ensured both Zoo (78) and Sharks (80) remained in sight.

Together with champions Nzoia United, the four are set to be promoted to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) should the wrangling bodies Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and KPL agree on the former’s proposal that has since received the backing of world governing body FIFA.

The Sharks’ KPL mettle will be tested against the toughest of opponents as they travel to Nzoia in a captivating season-ender. Bernard Mwalala’s men have nothing left to fight for having swept their way back to the KPL in remarkable fashion although their staggering unbeaten record at home will be at stake.

Mwalala has vowed there will be no favours for the Sharks and has warned his charges against the visitors’ KPL motivation that saw them come from behind to surpass Nakumatt and Zoo into second.

In recognzing the task at hand, Sharks’ Team Manger Stephen Otieno has urged his side to ensure they pick up at least a point from Mwalala’s men.

“If we lose and Zoo win then we’re out. Nzoia are a tough team to beat especially at home but a point will put us in a good position to progress,” Otieno told Citizen Digital.

Nakumatt and Zoo have much easier fixtures on paper, ending their campaigns on home turf with Zoo hosting FC Talanta while the Retailers entertain Wazito FC.

At the opposite end of the table, former top-flight giants Shabana FC will be freed from their misery when they host Modern Coast Rangers while Ligi Ndogo will hope to bow out in style at home to Vihiga United.

 

NSL WEEKEND FIXTURES (All matches kick off at 3:00pm unless stated)

Nakuru AllStars vs Nairobi Stima (1:00pm)

Shabana FC vs Modern Coast Rangers (1:00pm)

Agrochemicals FC vs Police FC

Ligi Ndogo FC vs Vihiga United

MOSCA FC vs KCB

Nakumatt FC vs Wazito FC

Nzoia United vs Kariobangi Sharks

Oserian FC vs Palos FC

St. Joseph FC vs Bidco United

Zoo Kericho FC vs FC Talanta.

-Additional reporting by Ali Endere.

Tags:

NSL football Kenyan Premier League (KPL) promotion relegation National Super League (NSL) Zoo Kericho FC Nzoia United

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