Naivas look to extend National Super League lead as Mathare keep chase

©Naivas FC/Pinchez

NSL Naivas look to extend National Super League lead as Mathare keep chase

Festus Chuma 10:32 - 20.01.2024

Naivas faces tough opposition while Mathare relentlessly pursues in a gripping race for the top of the league standings.

The Football Kenya Federation National Super League (NSL) is set for an exhilarating weekend as leaders Naivas FC gear up to extend their dominant run against Kibera Black Stars in a crucial match.

With six games on the schedule for Saturday, all eyes are on the Supermarket Boys who are perched at the top of the second tier with an impressive 36 points.

Their opponents, Kibera Black Stars, are not far behind, holding the ninth position with 21 points and an impressive unbeaten streak in their last five matches.

The encounter between Naivas FC and Kibera Black Stars at the Kenya Institute Of Highways and Building Technology Grounds is anticipated to be a high-stakes game.

Naivas, with a game in hand, is under pressure to secure a victory to maintain their dominant position in the league.

On the other hand, the Black Stars are grappling with the recent loss of key players Kelvin Owen and Kevin Owino but remain determined to make their mark.

Simultaneously, the Awendo Green Stadium is set to host a clash of titans as fourth-placed Mara Sugar takes on Darajani Gogo.

Mara Sugar, despite their inconsistent performance and setbacks in the mid-season transfer window, is eyeing the automatic promotion slots and aims to bridge the six-point gap.

Darajani Gogo, currently in seventh place, is not to be underestimated, with ambitions of climbing up the ladder with a victory.

Adding to the weekend's excitement, Mulembe United, under the leadership of Edward Manoah, faces a crucial match against Dimba Patriots at the Wolves Den.

The game, slated for 3pm, is a decisive moment for Manoah, whose future as the club's permanent manager hinges on the outcome.

Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Black Stars, Mulembe United is showing signs of resurgence, evident in their 2-0 triumph over Migori Youth.

In another intriguing matchup, Vincent Nyaberi is set to lead MCF against Vihiga Bullets at Ruaraka Grounds, also kicking off at 3pm.

Nyaberi, with a successful stint at Mara Sugar, is tasked with steering MCF away from the relegation zone and leapfrogging over Mombasa Stars.

Meanwhile, Mombasa Stars face their challenge against the struggling Silibwet Leons at Silibwet Green Stadium, where any point gained by Silibwet would be invaluable in their fight for survival.

Lastly, the battle between third-placed Nairobi United and Rainbow at Mpesa Foundation is poised to be a nail-biter.

Both teams, riding on a wave of three consecutive victories, are on the verge of disrupting each other's winning streaks, making it a must-watch fixture for the weekend.

Saturday fixtures

Kibera Black Stars FC vs Naivas FC

Mara Sugar FC vs Darajani Gogo FC

Nairobi United vs Rainbow

Silibwet FC vs Mombasa Stars FC

Vihiga Bullets FC vs MCF FC 

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