Kibera Black Stars host Kirinyaga Sacco in highlight of the weekend

After weeks of uncertainty, the National Super League (NSL) Round 10 action resumes this weekend with a total of 10 matches on the card.

However, it would be judicious to say that the pinnacle of the weekend’s programme is the fixture between second-placed Kirinyaga Sacco and Kibera Black Stars at Camp Toyoyo ground this afternoon.

With the recent standoff of cash entitled to clubs and referees having been put into rest after the same was settled by the country’s football Caretaker Committee, all systems go in the second tier league. 

On paper, Fortune Sacco, who are placed second in the chart with 11 points, start as favourites if the two0 team’s recent statistics are anything to go by.

During their last meeting, Sacco prevailed 3-0 which lends credence to their post-match favourite tag.

In the last five matches, Sacco, who have raked in three wins in five matches, have drawn twice, scored nine goals and conceded four.

On the flip side, Sacco has a poor away record which should be music in the years of tenth- placed Black Stars.

Already, extroverted Black Stars Coach Leonard Odipo has sounded war-drums ahead of the match.

“We have worked on grey areas that were a bit of concern and if you may ask me, we can chalk up a win if we stick to our game plan.

We are facing tricky opposition but I’m confident that we can get something from the match, “said the former Nairobi Stima trainer. 

The slum boys’ last encounter was against Murang’a Seal in which they lost 1-0 while Sacco under player-coach Nicodemus Omasete beat Kisumu All-Stars 3-0.

Meanwhile, in another exciting encounter tomorrow, newcomers Naivas FC host Shabana at Ruaraka Grounds. 

Perched in the fourth position in the chart with ten points, Naivas will be angling for improvement after recent blips in which they fell 0-1 to Dandora Love coupled with a scoreless draw against Gusii FC. 

At the same time, seventh-placed Shabana, aka Tore Bobe, will be battling to keep the momentum after their last win over Mombasa Elite in mid-December last year. The Kisii-based Shabana under Robert Ojienda is now on eight points off five matches with two wins to their name thus far.

In another match, Mombasa Elite who are in the driving seat shall welcome lowly Muhoroni Youth at Serani Grounds in Mombasa. 

Elite under Ahmed Mchula has 12 points off five matches and tasted their only defeat so far in their last encounter with Shabana. 

Before the slump, the coastal side had enjoyed a smooth run of winning four matches on a trot. 

However, it would be safe to say that Elite start fairm favourites against Muhoroni Youth who have only one win in five matches.

Another tie on schedule will see Zoo FC host third placed Muranga Seal FC while Coastal Heroes, who have dropped in recent weeks to 13th on the log, face Gusii FC at Mbaraki Grounds tomorrow afternoon. -Barry Silah