The race for promotion to the SportPesa Premier League is heating up, with 22 games played in the National Super League (NSL) and just five sides realistically in contention.
Leaders Mombasa United sit top on 46 points, followed by Migori Youth on 43, third-placed Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) on 38, 3K FC on 37, and Equity Bank also on 37.
With the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) abolishing the promotion/relegation play-off, the top three sides will earn automatic qualification to the top tier, raising the stakes in the final stretch.
Mombasa United coach Gilbert Selebwa says the competition is intensifying.
“This is where the rubber meets the road. Competition is getting stiffer with the top five teams eyeing promotion while the bottom five fight to avoid relegation,” Selebwa said.
He added that his side will fight to maintain top position, citing their recent victory over third-placed MOFA as a key morale boost.
“For you to be champions, you must beat your opponents, especially the teams in league contention,” he said.
On Saturday, during club celebrations in Mombasa, the Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary revealed that President William Ruto had donated a Sh24 million bus to the club.
Former Mombasa Governor Joho and club patron Suleiman Shahbal pledged to work together to ensure the club secures promotion.
“The bus is a huge boost to us. Most community clubs suffer a lot because of transport logistics, and this bus will help ease our movement across the country. We want to thank the President for the donation,” added Selebwa.
Sixth-placed Fortune Sacco coach Vincent Nyaberi insists his side remains in the race.
“With 22 games played so far, the difference between the leaders, Mombasa United, and us is just 13 points. Our ambition for promotion is still on course,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mully Children’s Family are set to resume fixtures following the intervention of FKF President Mohammed Hussein, after initially pulling out due to financial constraints.
With the top three spots up for grabs, the final stretch of the NSL promises high drama as clubs battle for promotion to the top flight.
