NSL: Promotion race heats up as Mara Sugar, Mathare United eye Premier League spots

©Mathare United

NSL: Promotion race heats up as Mara Sugar, Mathare United eye Premier League spots

Festus Chuma 09:00 - 26.05.2024

Mara Sugar and Mathare United lead the NSL promotion race with crucial matches ahead to secure FKFPL spots.

The race for top spots in the National Super League (NSL) is reaching fever pitch as Mara Sugar and Mathare United continue their spirited drive toward securing their places in next season's Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL).

Mara Sugar, enjoying a formidable season, have chalked up nine consecutive victories, with their last defeat dating back to a March 31 FKF Cup match against Compel FC.

Now leading the pack, Mara Sugar has edged past former front-runners Naivas and Mathare United. 

With just three points needed from their upcoming games to clinch promotion, they face a critical stretch ahead. 

Mara Sugar's adversaries include Nairobi United and Silibwet who are fighting relegation.

Mathare United, currently second with 67 points, also have their sights set on a return to the top division. 

With 20 wins from 32 matches, they are four points adrift of Mara Sugar and seven ahead of third-place Naivas. 

As they prepare to face Rainbow FC, Mathare United remains focused on securing one of the coveted promotion slots.

Meanwhile, Nairobi United, Naivas, and Kisumu All Stars remain in contention for playoff spots. 

Following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mombasa Elite FC, Nairobi United are tied on points with Naivas but hold a game in hand, adding extra intrigue to the promotion battle.

Naivas FC reclaimed third place after a significant 3-1 victory against Kajiado FC at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

However, Mara Sugar’s progress was momentarily halted by Gusii FC, who managed a 2-2 draw in a gripping contest on Saturday.

Gusii's Joshua Ratemo and Kennedy Obaga found the net, counteracting goals from Mara's Mike Isabwa and Erick Juma. 

Kisumu All Stars, on the other hand, demonstrated their prowess with a dominant 3-0 win over Mombasa Stars. 

Michael Karamor’s double and Japheth Onyango's goal were significant in boosting their playoff hopes.

In other league action, Dimba Patriots and Darajani Gogo played out a goalless draw, a result that does little to alter their mid-table standings.

As the season moves into its final stages, the relegation battle is also heating up.

Kajiado FC, Gusii FC, and Silibwet Lions are all in peril, anchored in the relegation zone with points tallies of 26, 24, and 22, respectively. 

The NSL’s thrilling conclusion is on the horizon with teams vying for glory and survival in equal measure.

 The coming weeks promise to be filled with drama, excitement, and potentially heartbreak, as the race for promotion and the fight against relegation reach their climax.

Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.