Dates set for Sofapaka vs Naivas FKF Premier League play-off duels
Naivas FC gets a bite of the cherry this weekend when they come head to head with Sofapaka FC in the first stanza of the FKF-Premier League promotion/relegation Playoffs as the last spot for the Premiership goes for grabs.
The Retailers finished the just-ended 2023/24 season as third placed on the log following their 1-0 away at Ukunda Showground in Kwale County courtesy of a 22nd-minute strike from Robert Karisa. This meant the recent head-to-head between the pair went 5-1 to the Naivas side who finished the season on 76 points off 38 matches.
The team under the tutelage of Collins “Korea” Omondi have lost only six times and conceded the fewest goals (29) in the run-up to the curtains falling indicating their strength in the backline. Having picked 13 points in the last five games, the retail giants know that it is all or nothing ahead of the big two games against the 2009 league Champions-Batoto ba Mungu.
“We have a few days to prepare but I know we still are in good shape. Against Sofapaka, we will have to play maturely because it is important to stay alert and have a big game mentality. The boys are eager to show what they got and so I expect two close matches and of course, we want to win,” stated the high-flying tactician who was appointed in August 2023.
Sofapaka is likely to count on their long-established experience in the top tier even as they hope to retain their 15-year status in the Premiership. Under the stewardship of experienced Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno assisted by Ezekiel Akwana, the team has struggled to hold its own in the just-ended campaign in what has been the most trying moments in the history of Batoto ba Mungu.
Meanwhile, the trio of Kajiado FC, Silibwet Leons FC and Gusii FC have officially been confirmed relegated to the FKF-Division One Championship after a disastrous season in the NSL. The three upcountry sides had a combined 25 wins in 114 games against a staggering 71 losses altogether in the same period.
