Promotion chase in NSL getting ever tighter

The National Super League (NSL) continues this weekend with the chase to clinch second spot and battle to avoid relegation on the cards.

Bottom-placed former top flight giants Shabana FC could be relegated from the NSL if they lose to promotion chasing Nakumatt FC who are fourth on 71, three points behind Kariobangi Sharks in second who take on Bidco United on Sunday in a tricky encounter.

Zoo Kericho in third (72) a point above Nakumatt welcome Nairobi Stima (50) in eighth with NSL champions Nzoia United seeking to notch their 28th victory of the season when they travel to lock horns with FC Talanta who are hanging just above the drop zone with 27 with three games of the season left.

Victory for Shabana (16) who have only won four, drawn four and lost 27 this term and defeats to the sides immediately above them in the 20-team NSL table, Ligi Ndogo (21) and St. Joseph’s (25) gave them a stay of execution in the league.

“We are gunning to scoop all nine points in the remaining three matches to be among the teams battling to finish second,” Nakumatt team manager Albert Wesonga told Citizen Digital.

“At the end of the season if we get promoted, we will need to strengthen the club and that means we get a minimum of five players who have participated in KPL so that we produce good results,” he added.

“We are well prepared and we hope to win our remaining three matches so that we can at least change our current position on the table by going up,” his counterpart at Shabana Peter Omwando offered in hope.

“We have been performing bad due to lack of sponsorship but if the club gets financial support, we will produce good results. Some players might leave the team and it’s normal for an underperforming team to lose its players,” he underscored.

Ligi Ndogo are at home to improving MOSCA (41) who have risen from the lower reaches of the the NSL to 12th with St. Joseph’s who have not won in six welcoming Nakuru All Stars (33) who are languishing in 16th following their drop from the topflight last season.

Resurgent KCB (69) who are in fifth visit Police FC who have stuttered in the second-half of the season to drop to 15th (37) banking on collecting three points that will keep their race for second place in the NSL alive.

-Report by Ali Endere

FIXTURES (All 1700H unless stated)

Saturday

Shabana v Nakumatt (1600)

Agro Chemicals v Modern Coast Rangers

Ligi Ndogo v MOSCA FC

Police FC v KCB

Zoo Kericho v Nairobi Stima

Sunday

Bidco United v Kariobangi Sharks

FC Talanta v Nzoia United

Oserian v Vihiga United

Palos FC v Wazito FC

St Joseph FC v Nakuru All Stars