Nairobi United crowned NSL champs, Naivas book playoff slot

2024/25 National Super League (NSL) season came to an exciting end with Nairobi United FC officially coronated champions and earning direct promotion to the top league, despite suffering a 3-0 defeat to Naivas FC at Dandora Stadium on the final day.

Naivas, determined to secure a playoff spot, produced a brilliant first-half performance with goals from Roberts Karisa in the 27th minute, Markvivian Kesa in the 29th, and Newton Ochieng from the penalty spot in the 34th minute.

The emphatic win ensured that Naivas finished third in the standings and booked a return to top league.

At the Marist University Grounds, Darajani Gogo defeated Luanda Villa 1-0. However, despite ending the season level on 62 points with Naivas, Darajani narrowly missed the playoff spot due to inferior goal difference.

Nairobi United, under the guidance of Coach Nicholas Muyoti, capped a stellar campaign by lifting the NSL trophy.

Muyoti, celebrating his first career title, expressed gratitude to the club for the trust placed in him and shifted focus to the upcoming FKF Cup final against 21-time champions Gor Mahia.

 “It’s been a brilliant season. I am thankful to the club chairman for trusting me. This is my first career title and I now look forward to our FKF Cup final against Gor Mahia which will be dedicated to the players because they really anticipate winning the cup,” he said.

Naivas FC’s coach, on the other hand, remained upbeat about the playoff opportunity, saying the team has learned from last season’s narrow aggregate loss to Sofapaka and is ready to push for promotion.

“We are in the playoffs and we thank the players as we did not start the league well. We now set our eyes on the playoff and hopefully get promoted.”

 In the relegation battle, Mombasa United avoided the drop after thrashing Kibera Black Stars 4-1 at Ukunda Showgrounds. The match, however, was marred by controversy, as Kibera arrived without a goalkeeper or a full technical bench and fielded a depleted squad.

At the end of the season, Nairobi United and APS Bomet earned automatic promotion to the top tier, while Muhoroni Youth, SS Assad, and Mombasa Stars were relegated to Division One. Naivas FC will head into the playoff, hoping to seal their place in the Premier League.

In the individual statistics, Elias Mugane of Fortune Sacco and Veron Ombima of Darajani Gogo share the Golden Boot with 22 goals each.