Why Mara Sugar’s Clash Against Murang’a Seal is Just As High Stakes as Police-Shabana and Gor Mahia-Ulinzi

Why Mara Sugar’s Clash Against Murang’a Seal is Just As High Stakes as Police-Shabana and Gor Mahia-Ulinzi

Mark Kinyanjui 09:45 - 15.06.2025

Murang'a Seal will be taking on Mara Sugar in their penultimate league clash of the season, but there are some conflicts of interests that risk compromising the integrity of that game.

Mara Sugar will be taking on Murang’a Seal in their penultimate FKF Premier League clash of the season, with both teams knowing that a positive result would go a long way in helping guarantee their safety from relegation.

Heading into the clash, Murang’a Seal are 16th on 33 points,  while Mara Sugar are 13th on 35 points.

As a result, this clash is just as high stakes as both the Kenya Police-Shabana fixture, as well as Gor Mahia’s game against Ulinzi Stars, as both Police and K’Ogalo are in the hunt for the title.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

There is only one problem, which may involve compromising the integrity of the game.

Although Mara Sugar are hosting Murang’a Seal at the Awendo Green Stadium, Murang’a Seal may be having the good will of Football Kenya Federation.

Their chairman, Robert Macharia is an FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) member representing the Central Region, while the vice chairman is none other than - you guessed it right - Hussein Mohammed, the federation’s President.

As a result, Mara Sugar have every reason to be paranoid.

Speaking after losing the FKF Cup semi final on penalties to Nairobi United at Dandora Stadium, head coach Edward Manoah did not bulge.

“I’m confident we will survive relegation,” said Manoah. “But I just have one plea to the federation, with a humble and cheerful heart—there is no need to punish us for something we did not do.”

5 Most Beautiful CHAN 2024 Stadiums
FOOTBALL

15:00 - 13.06.2025

5 Most Beautiful CHAN 2024 Stadiums

CHAN 2024 will showcase East Africa’s top stadiums, with a stunning lineup of upgraded, beautiful, and high-capacity venues across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

“Murang’a Seal has two members of the FKF NEC sitting in office—the chairman and the vice chairman,” he said. “We have no influence. I just pray and hope they can maintain transparency and be fair.”

The Stats

Murang’a Seal and Mara Sugar have met just once in the 2024–25 FKF Premier League, drawing 1–1 back in September 2024—a result that reflects their close competitive balance.

 Across all recent encounters dating to 2022, Murang’a Seal hold a slight edge with three wins, while Mara Sugar have yet to secure a victory; the other two meetings ended in draws. 

On average, their head-to-head clashes produce around 2 goals per match, with the majority of games being low scoring— under 2.5 goals in both meetings this season.

Murang’a Seal Ready For Battle

For Murang’a Seal coach Yusuf Chipo, the target remains the same.

“We have two matches to go, and I can confidently say Murang’a Seal will be in the FKFPL next season,” Chipo affirmed.

“We are going to face our brothers, Mara Sugar, away in Awendo, and we’ll be aiming for maximum points, if not at least a draw.

Then we’ll host FC Talanta and ensure we secure all three points to cement our place in the league.”

Seal narrowly escaped relegation in their debut campaign last season, finishing with 38 points, just two above the playoff spot and six clear of the drop.

Their top-tier journey began in June 2023 when they secured promotion by finishing second in the National Super League (NSL) behind champions Shabana FC.

Mara Sugar won promotion to the topflight last season after winning the 2024/2025 NSL title.

Tags: