FKF-Premier League teams in relegation zone seek redemption as pressure of remaining afloat goes to the wire

The battle for survival in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League will take centre stage again with all the teams fighting against relegation returning to action in the nine matches lined up across the country on Wednesday June 19, 2024.

After losing to Gor Mahia at the weekend, Batoto ba Mungu will face a tall order when they take on Nairobi City Stars at the new Dandora Stadium while, Shabana, who registered a shock 4-3 win against AFC Leopards, will host Bidco United at Homabay Stadium.

Fangs of relegation

Other relegation candidates Ulinzi Stars and FC Talanta will face Kariobangi Sharks and Gor Mahia respectively.

So far, Nzoia Sugar have already been relegated to the lower division, leaving one slot, position 17th, for an automatic relegation.

Any team that would finish in the 16th position will have a lifeline to keep their status in the league as they will be involved in a relegation-playoff battle with number two and three teams from the National Super League (NSL).

Promotion to FKF-PL

To this point in the NSL, Mara Sugar and Mathare United have earned direct promotion to the league.

Mara are topping the 20-team table with 81 points while the Slum Boys are second on 79 points.

Third-placed Naivas with 70 points and fourth-placed Nairobi United, who have 69, are fighting for a play-off ticket.

Back to the top league, Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa has remained bullish that his side will not be relegated at the end of this season.

“It won’t happen (being relegated), and I don’t see it happening any time soon, we are going to stay up and it doesn’t scare me, nor give me nightmares,” Kalekwa told People Sports.

“We know the season has not been well but the fact remains we will fight to the end and make sure we play with the big boys in the new season, we don’t have any shortcuts, we will do our job and the players are ready.”

Sofapaka and Shabana are tied at 32 points, but the Kisii-based Glamour Boys are above them on the log owing to a better goal difference.

Muhoroni’s headache

Should Muhoroni win their fixture against Nzoia, they will move to 31 points, one less Sofapaka, meaning it will not affect the bottom two positions.

In other matches, Posta Rangers will take on Tusker at Machakos Stadium, while Kakamega Homeboyz, who have been blowing hot and cold in the closing stages of the campaign, playing at home against Murang’a Seal.

Record champions Gor Mahia will entertain Talanta while Ingwe will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they confront KCB at Dandora Stadium.