A titanic showdown awaits as FKF PL side Posta Rangers faces off against Naivas FC this Saturday, June 28, 2025, in the first leg of the promotion playoff at the Thika Stadium.

 The clash, slated for 3:00 pm, comes after the conclusion of both the Kenya Premier League and the National Super League for the 2024/25 season, with stakes raised for a chance to feature in the Kenyan Premier League.

The two-legged playoff will determine whether Naivas joins APS Bomet and Nairobi United among teams promoted from the NSL or if Rangers earn a further stay in the top league.

The side finished third in the recently concluded National Super League (NSL) and will now compete against Posta Rangers in the promotion playoff games.

The tie presents yet another opportunity for the NSL team to make amends after falling to Sofapaka in the 2024 playoff ties, marking their extended spell in the second tier.

Top-flight experience

With no previous topflight experience, Naivas, under the tutelage of former KCB coach Elvis Valdo Ayany, will be banking on the services of a handful of players within its ranks with top football experience.

 The team has custodian Eliud Emase and front man Davies Agesa among the players whose contribution could prove handy with their previous stints in the KPL.

“This time, we are keen on limiting errors and making the most of even the half-chances we get. That tactical discipline will be crucial against a solid, seasoned team like Rangers.” Naivas attacker Karisa Ponda said.

 “In life, opportunities like these don’t come often. We are lucky and favoured to be here again, and we are determined to seize it. The goal is simple: win both legs and earn promotion.” he added.

 Meanwhile, Rangers will be out to complete their survival quest after a narrow escape that condemned them as a candidate for the decisive playoff.

 The Mailmen finished the league at 16th, with 35 points, just above FC Talanta and Nairobi City Stars, who got relegated from the KPL for the coming season.

The task to retain their top-flight status, however, remains far from done for Sammy Omollo’s team with the playoff next in their cards against the third-placed team from the NSL.

If the aggregate score is tied after regular time in the second match, the team with the greater number of away goals will be declared the winner.

However, if the teams are tied on both aggregate and away goals, the match will proceed to penalties. The winner of the shootout will claim a place in the 2025/26 FKF Premier League. 

After the first leg, the return leg will follow on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at SportPesa Arena in Murang’a, with Posta Rangers as the home team.