Mombasa Stars gearing up for crucial NSL derby tie against SS Assad

Juma said they are treating the three remaining matches like a final and will go all out to defeat their fierce rivals to escape relegation from the second-tier league.

“Right now, our mindset is simple — win all three remaining matches. We’re approaching each game with the urgency of a final because our place in the NSL is at stake,” stated Juma.

Stars’ 1-0 win over Vihiga United last weekend revived their survival hopes thanks to a decisive goal by Rodgers Okumu Okuse.

They lie 17th in the NSL standings with 29 points from 32 matches and are third from the bottom of the table while SS Assad are just below them in the 18th place with 22 points, making Sunday’s clash a true relegation six-pointer.

“It started with the win over Kisumu All Stars, followed by Vihiga United. Now we’re aiming for another three points against Assad. We respect that it’s a derby, but we’re approaching it as just another must-win match,” added Juma.

Juma reported that the squad is in good shape with no major injuries. “The boys are focused and injury-free. We play one away game this weekend, and then we wrap up the season at home against Samwest FC and MCF. Our goal is to win all of them.”

Among the standout players for Mombasa Stars this season is defender Eddy Basil Oloo, who has become a key figure in the backline despite it being his debut season in the NSL.

Oloo joined the team last year from Shimanzi FC, a side competing in the FKF Division Two Pool A. He previously played for TUM Dynamos in the FKF Coast Region League while pursuing his studies at the Technical University of Mombasa.

A former student of Agoro Sare High School in Homa Bay County, Oloo expressed confidence in the team’s ability to survive the relegation battle.

“We’re ready to fight until the end. I believe we can win the remaining matches and stay in the league. This is my first season in the NSL and I’m proud of the growth I’ve made both individually and as part of the team. The fans should expect even more from us,” he said.