Tasty ties as NSL fixtures list released

Chemelil Sugar face a baptism by fire as they start new life in the second tier Betika National Super League when they open their 2020/2021 campaign against highly motivated Shabana FC at Chemelil Complex on Saturday November 28.

After barely escaping relegation in 2018 by a whisker, the writing was on the wall in 2019 as Chemelil’s 23 years in the Kenyan Premier League ended last season after registering one win, one draw and 14 defeats in 16 matches they played to drop to the second tier.

Now they want to launch a quick return to the top flight league but their first test is against a rejuvenated Shabana FC.

Financial constraints

Shabana, one of the favourites to challenge for the title this season, have made it clear that this is their last season playing in NSL.

“The Chemelil match will not be easy, we respect them but we have our goals to meet this season.

Club chairman Jared Nivaton has made it clear that this is our last season in NSL and the boys know that well and what’s required of them in this match and the entire season,” Shabana FC team manager Elijah Sani told People Sport.

Chemelil were relegated alongside Sony Sugar FC after the latter failed to honour three consecutive matches due to financial constraints. 

Locally assembled

The former KPL champions will welcome Coast Stima at Awendo Green Stadium and coach Tillen Oguta says even though they’re struggling financially, his locally assembled squad is raring to go.

Kisumu All-Stars who blew away their chance to retain their place in the top tier league last week after losing to Vihiga United in the KPL/NSL Promotion/Relegation playoff, travel to Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi to take on hosts Kibera Black Stars.

All-Stars returned to the second tier after one season in the premier league.

According to fixtures released on Friday by FKF, the league will have 38 rounds of matches played starting in the weekend of November 28 and 29 and culminate on Saturday July 24, 2021.