Six in promotion hunt as NSL resumes

The FKF National Super League resumes this weekend with the top six chasing two promotion slots to the top tier.

After a busy June transfer window, leaders Nzoia United (34) are only six points ahead of sixth placed Kariobangi Sharks with Nakumatt FC, Zoo Kericho, Agro Chemicals and Vihiga United filling the second to fifth slots in the congested summit.

Nzoia and Zoo have a game in hand over their promotion chasing rivals who have played 15 while at the bottom, the frantic battle is on for bottom placed former top flight giants, Shabana FC to close the gap and escape an embarrassing drop to the third tier.

The Gusii based club have only a point from nine games and went on a recruiting spree in the transfer window to add experience as they seek to claw the gap on St. Joseph’s (nine) and Ligi Ndogo (six) who are above them with six games in hand after their delayed start to the campaign.

Fifth Vihiga who are eyeing promotion to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) for the first time in their history have upped the stakes by importing players from neighbouring Uganda ahead of their second leg opener against ninth placed Bidco United (20) who are eight points in arrears.

The club signed Arthur Simanzi (Lweza FC) and Allan Kiza (Sadoline FC) from Uganda besides raiding regional rivals and KPL side Kakamega Homeboyz for three more players, Ian Lamonde, Dennis Mwanzi and Robert Indimuli.

However, the new signings would have to prove their worth to book themselves a chance to make it to first 11, according to team’s manager Arthur Ominde.

“The new players shall have to work to impress the technical bench in order to get a ticket in first team.

“We did not spent that much in getting all of our players apart from the development fee and accommodation of the new players. We dropped five with an aim of advancing our team especially in central defense since our captain George Odiwour is injured,” the official stated.

United, who smashed Kisii County 9-0 and Gusii United 6-0 in last weekend’s friendlies will be away to Bidco at Nairobi’s Camp Toyoyo’s ground.

Table toppers Nzoia open against Kisumu based Palos FC on a mission to retain their unbeaten run, with the team’s manager Evans Kadenge calling for calm heads.

“We are leaders and so any team is fighting to bring us down; that’s why, we are working on making the boys relax and avoid pressure to maintain our position at the top.

“We are not underrating any team, whether in the relegation zone or those next to us,” reiterated the team manager.

The millers sold Godfrey Kariuki who joint NSL rivals Nakumatt FC, John Lomodei to Homeboys, goalkeeper Robert Ouma who went to Bidco, Yusuf Kimani and Ishmael Mugubi.

In their place, the Nzoia based brought in KPL’s Kevin Mugunda (AFC Leopards), striker Dennis Okore (Western Stima), Dennis Ongeri (Posta Rangers) Moses Shavanga, Nickson(Savannah Cement).

FIXTURES

SAT 9TH JULY

1. Ligi Ndogo FC             KCB FC                                     Camp Toyoyo
2. Shabana FC                 Kariobangi Sharks FC               Awendo
3. Bidco United FC           Vihiga United FC                       Thika
4. Oserian FC                   Nakuru All Stars FC                   Oserian
5. Talanta FC                   Modern Coast FC                         Kasarani
6. Zoo Kericho FC             Nakumatt FC                               Kericho

SUN 10TH JULY

7. Police FC                     Moyas FC                                   Afraha
8. St Joseph FC                 Nairobi Stima FC                       Afraha
9. Agro Chemicals FC       Wazito FC                                 Chemilil
10. Palos FC                       Nzoia Sugar FC                         Moi Stadium