NSL leaders Mara Sugar and Mathare United are on track for promotion to the FKFPL for the 2025-26 season. Mara Sugar’s performance has been exceptional, with nine consecutive wins in the NSL.
Their last defeat was on March 31, when they lost 2-0 to third-tier side Compel FC in an FKF Cup round of 16 match at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium. Notably, Benedict Wanjala’s team has achieved 6-0 victories twice this season, against SS Assad and Kajiado FC.
Mara Sugar needs just four points from their remaining fixtures to secure promotion, having overtaken Naivas and Mathare United for the league lead. Their upcoming matches are against relegation-threatened Gusii FC, followed by home games against Nairobi United and Silibwet.
Midfielder Michael Isabwa emphasizes the importance of these matches, calling them ‘finals’ and stressing the team’s commitment to maintaining their competitive edge.
‘’Every match for us is like a final now. We are not dropping our guard down because we have experienced just how competitive the league is,’’
Mathare United, currently second with 67 points, is also vying for a return to top-tier football. They trail Mara Sugar by four points and lead third-placed Naivas by seven points with six rounds left. Mathare United has won 20 of their 32 matches, drawn 7, and lost 5.
Midseason, they replaced head coach Leonard Odipo with former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi and made seven new signings in the last transfer window. They are focused on promotion as they prepare to face Rainbow FC on May 25.
Naivas FC, Nairobi FC, and Kisumu All Stars could still make the playoffs if the standings remain stable. Meanwhile, Kajiado FC, Gusii FC, and Silibwet Lions are in relegation danger, with 26, 23, and 22 points respectively. Kajiado will play third-placed Naivas away, while Gusii and Silibwet will host Mara Sugar and Mulembe United in the next round of matches.
