Migori Youth set to clash with Mathare United as excitement abounds at NSL season kickoff

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FOOTBALL Migori Youth set to clash with Mathare United as excitement abounds at NSL season kickoff

Festus Chuma 08:59 - 15.09.2023

Excitement mounts as NSL season commences with clashes featuring new teams, talent, and seasoned contenders in a quest for glory.

Local football enthusiasts are gearing up for an action-packed weekend as the National Super League (NSL) gets underway this Saturday 16 September. 

With five exciting fixtures lined up across the country, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of football in Kenya's second division.

In a thrilling opening clash, last season's fifth-place finishers, Naivas, are set to kick off their campaign away to the newly merged Dimba Patriots. 

Dimba Patriots, a merger between Patriots and Taita Taveta-based Mwatate United FC, recently received the League Management body's approval, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter.

At the Kasarani Annex, newly promoted side Rainbow FC will be hosting Darajani Gogo, promising an electrifying clash between two teams hungry for success. 

Meanwhile, Vihiga Bullets, relegated from the Kenyan top flight last season, will be on the road to Awendo to face Gusii, making their encounter a must-watch for fans.

Vihiga United will also be in action as they welcome Kajiando at the Mumias Sports Complex. United is expected to showcase new recruits after FIFA lifted a ban imposed during the 2021/22 season. 

The ban was a consequence of the club's failure to pay Nigerian striker Junior Adeyafa the sum of Ksh200,000 in accrued wages.

Vihiga's resilience in retaining their second-tier status last season surprised many, and fans will be eager to see how they perform with their fresh additions.

Sunday promises another round of exciting fixtures, with Migori Youth set to entertain Mathare United at the Migori Stadium. 

This clash is anticipated to be a fierce battle, given that Migori Youth finished third in the NSL last season and had a tough playoff against Wazito. Migori Youth lost 3-0 on aggregate to Wazito, making this match a crucial one for them.

In another Sunday fixture, Mara Sugar will travel to Mombasa to take on Coastal Heroes in a match that promises to be entertaining. 

Mara Sugar's head coach, Francis Xavier, expressed optimism, saying, "The team is in good spirit, and we believe the new players have added the much-needed character in the team, something we needed in terms of stability and depth. Our goal is to pick as many points as possible, and this has to start with the opening fixture."

As the NSL prepares to kick off the new season, fans are in for a treat with these exciting matchups. 

With newly merged teams, motivated newcomers, and established sides looking to make a comeback, the competition is expected to be fierce. 

Week One Fixtures

Saturday 16th September 2023

MCF v SS Assad (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos)

Vihiga United v Kajiado (Mumias Sports Complex)

Dimba Patriots v Naivas (The Wolves Den, Olooloitikosh)

Rainbow v Darajani Gogo (Kasarani Annex)

Gusii v Vihiga Bullets (Awendo Green Stadium)

Sunday 17th September 2023

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)