Stima, Thika in D-Day scramble as KPL curtains fall

Western Stima and Thika United will have one more shot to produce the performance of their lives on Saturday in order to escape from the jaws of relegation as curtains fall on the 2017 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season.

A grand stand season finale awaits as Stima, Thika and Mathare United battle to decide who among the three seasoned KPL sides suffers the spectacular drop to the National Super League (NSL).

Stima who are on 35 points trail Thika only on goal difference but the two face the tall order of scoring at least 15 goals in their respective matches to catch Mathare (38) and surpass their superior goal difference; an implausible ask.

With Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the KPL management yet to agree on a promotion/relegation criteria, either Stima or Thika could play the third-finisher from the NSL in a play-offs to decide the 18th team in next year’s top flight.

Thika host an in-form Bandari FC side that has lost only once in their last five matches while Stima travel to Chemelil Sugar with all four of their previous encounters ending in stalemates.

Mathare face a tricky away trip to Posta Rangers knowing a win will all but secure their top flight status next season. However, Posta will be keen to grab all the points that could see them finish the season second behind Gor.

Away from the relegation scrap heap, champions Gor Mahia FC will finally get to lift their 16th KPL crown at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu having wrapped the title race four rounds ago.

SATURDAY FIXTURES (All matches start at 2:00pm EAT)

Chemelil Sugar vs Western Stima (Chemelil Sports Complex)

Thika United vs Bandari FC (Thika Sub-county Stadium)

Posta Rangers vs Mathare United (Camp Toyoyo)

Gor Mahia vs Sony Sugar (Moi Stadium)

Muhoroni Youth vs AFC Leopards (Mumias Sports Complex)

Nakumatt vs Kariobangi Sharks (Ruaraka Grounds)

Nzoia Sugar vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Sudi stadium)

Sofapaka vs Zoo FC (Narok County Stadium)

Ulinzi Stars vs Tusker (Afraha Stadium)