Ushuru desperate to hold off Sofapaka for KPL survival

With the race for the 2016 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title done and dusted focus now shifts to which side will join Nairobi City Stars in the relegation scrap heap on the final day of the season.

Ushuru FC -formerly Kenya Revenue Authority who were promoted to the top division in 2013 and 2009 champions Sofapaka FC are facing the axe after an underwhelming campaign by their set high standards.

The Taxmen are 14th on 26, three clear of Sofapaka with an inferior goal difference (-10 against -16) and will be candidates for the chop should they lose their final game to Posta Rangers and Batoto ba Mungu beat Thika United.

It would have been much tighter had Sofapaka not wasted a 2-0 lead against 10-man Mathare United on Saturday to draw 2-2 coming after Ushuru shared the spoils in a 0-0 stalemate with City Stars a day earlier.

Ken Kenyatta’s Ushuru need only a draw against seventh placed Rangers (42) to seal survival.

“It was not the best day as far as officiating is concerned, but we wasted our opportunity to take charge of our destiny in the league.

“We will have to win against Thika and wait for their (Ushuru) result to know our fate. This is football and anything is possible, no one can write us off,” Sofapaka coach John Baraza said.

Thika boss James Nandwa has already said his mind has already shifted to 2017 having escaped from the drop zone and moved up to 12th (34) to guarantee safety.

“I have seen signs of improvement in the team which we can build up on for the next season because this one is all but over.

“I’m very happy with the brave mentality of my players put to beat Chemelil which has been one of the strongest teams this season,” Nandwa told after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over the Chemelil Sugar.

-Muhoroni miss-

Away from relegation battle, Muhoroni Youth will not defend their maiden KPL Top 8 title after their 2-0 defeat to ousted champions Gor.

Gor were hoping Leopards would ‘do their part’ against Tusker to push the title chase to the wire but it was not to be as the Brewers beat their eternal rivals 1-0 to seal the crown.

Instead, Gor will parade Tusker a guard of honour when the curtains go down at the Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium.

Rangers sealed a top half finish by sinking Sony Sugar 2-1with Kakamega Homeboyz (41) grabbing the final top eight position with the two sides earning their promotion to the KPL last season.

Third placed Western Stima are one of the three teams on 43 points with the final arrangement of the top five hinged on outcomes on the final day.

Ulinzi Stars and Mathare United trail in that order on goal difference.