Mara Sugar face Coastal Heroes as Kibera Black Stars welcome Nairobi United

©Kakemga Homboyz

NSL Mara Sugar face Coastal Heroes as Kibera Black Stars welcome Nairobi United

Festus Chuma 09:00 - 17.09.2023

Kibera Black Stars' transformation, Nairobi United's resilience, and Coastal Heroes' quest set the stage for a thrilling 2023/2024 FKF National Super League season.

The 2023/2024 Football Kenya Federation National Super League is set to continue its thrilling journey this Sunday, igniting the passion of football enthusiasts across the nation. 

In the heart of Nairobi, a rejuvenated Kibera Black Stars will lock horns with Nairobi United at the Ruaraka Grounds, and all eyes will be on the new man at the helm, Sammy Njuguna. 

The Black Stars, after a turbulent period of financial constraints and mass player exodus, have turned to Njuguna to lead them into a new era. 

Njuguna, having deputized for Evans Ogutu, brings a wealth of experience from his six-year stint with Division Two outfit Ligi Ndogo SC. 

The question on everyone's lips is whether Njuguna can steer the ship to calmer waters and restore the Black Stars to their former glory.

Their opponents, Nairobi United, coached by the seasoned Paul Odhiambo Okatwa, enter this season with an impressive track record. 

They finished second on the log in the 2022/23 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One League Zone 'A,' amassing 68 points from 34 matches. 

Their remarkable performance secured them a spot in the play-offs against Zoo FC, who finished second in Zone 'B.' After a fierce battle, Nairobi United clinched promotion to the NSL, setting the stage for their debut in the second tier of Kenyan football.

With both teams boasting formidable line-ups and a hunger for success, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest that could set the tone for their respective campaigns.

Meanwhile, at Mbaraki Stadium, Coastal Heroes are gearing up to kick off their season against Mara Sugar. 

This clash marks the fifth meeting between the two teams, with Mara Sugar securing a 3-1 victory in their last encounter during the previous season. 

Expectations are high for Mara Sugar, who have bolstered their squad with new signings, including Louis Shuma, Victor Omolo, Ernest Oyugi, Yusuf Ochieng, Isaac Otieno, Ban Chemwor, and Felix Odoyo. 

These acquisitions have injected much-needed character, stability, and depth into the team, setting ambitious targets for the season ahead.

 Mara Sugar is determined to start strong and accumulate as many points as possible from the opening fixture.

In Migori, Migori Youth is preparing to welcome Mathare United in a season opener that carries historical significance. 

This encounter marks the first meeting between the two teams, with Mathare United making their NSL debut after being relegated from the top flight.

 Both sides are eager to assert their dominance and make a statement in this highly competitive league.

Elsewhere, Luanda, a newly promoted side, is set to face Mombasa Elite at Mumboha Grounds, while Kisumu All Stars will host Silibwet at Moi Stadium. 

Sunday fixtures:

Coastal Heroes v Mara Sugar (Mbaraki Sports Club)

Migori Youth v Mathare United (Migori Stadium)

Kibera Black Stars v Nairobi United (Ligi Ndogo Grounds)

Luanda Villa v Mombasa Elite (Mumboha Grounds)

Kisumu Allstars v Silibwet (Moi Stadium, Kisumu)