Mara Sugar, Mathare United in fierce battle for title as NSL season nears climactic end

Mara Sugar, Mathare United in fierce battle for title as NSL season nears climactic end

Festus Chuma 09:15 - 22.06.2024

Both teams are vying for the NSL title while teams battle relegation and players contest the Golden Boot.

The 2023/2024 FKF National Super League (NSL) is approaching a dramatic finale, with the championship, relegation battles, and the Golden Boot competition all coming to a head.

Mara Sugar and Mathare United are embroiled in a fierce duel for the league title, with the Sugar Millers currently holding a slender two-point lead over their rivals.

Mara's impressive second-leg performance has seen them overtake both Mathare United and Naivas and they are now at the top of the league standings.

This weekend, they are set to host Mathare United in a pivotal match that could decide the fate of the championship.

A victory for Mara Sugar would solidify their position at the top, while Mathare United is desperate for a win to reclaim their spot and add another twist to this enthralling title race with both teams having gained promotion to the FKF Premier League.

The scramble for the remaining promotion playoff spot is equally intense.

Naivas FC, who led the standings in the first half of the season, has experienced a drop in form, allowing Nairobi United to close in, trailing by just one point.

This weekend's fixtures are critical, with Naivas FC set to face Gusii FC and Nairobi United up against Migori Youth.

The outcomes of these matches are crucial in determining who will secure the third spot and a chance at promotion through the playoff against the 16th-placed team in the FKF Premier League.

On the relegation front, Silibwet FC and Gusii FC have already been demoted.

The fight to avoid joining them sees Kajiado FC, Mulembe United, and Mombasa Elite fiercely battling to remain in the league.

Kajiado FC is particularly vulnerable, sitting just one point behind Mulembe United and two points away from Mombasa Elite, making every match and point crucial.

The Golden Boot race adds another layer of excitement to the season's closing stages.

Philemon Nyakwaka, despite his mid-season move to KCB FC, still leads with 16 goals.

However, Michael Karamor of Kisumu All Stars is hot on his heels, trailing by just one goal.

The contest remains tight, with Robert Karisa, Joel Kihara, and Emmanuel Lunalo each having netted 14 goals, setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown.

Round 37 Fixtures

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Mombasa Stars vs Vihiga Bullets (Serani Sports Club, 2 pm)

Rainbow vs Kibera Blackstars (Thika Stadium, 2 pm)

Nairobi United vs Migori Youth (Kasarani Annex, 2 pm)

Kajiado FC vs Luanda Villa (Ildamat Stadium, 2 pm)

Mara Sugar vs Mathare United (Awendo Green Stadiun, 2 pm)

Naivas FC vs Gusii FC (Machakos Stadium, 2 pm)

Darajani Gogo vs Mombasa Elite (KIBHT Grounds, 2 pm)

Kisumu Allstars vs MCF (Moi Stadium, 2 pm)

Mulembe United vs SS Assad (Mumias Sports Complex, 2 pm)

Dimba Patriots vs Silibwet FC (Wolves Den, 2 pm)

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