How Fortune, APS got ascents to top league

After three attempts, Fortune Sacco FC is joining APS Bomet FC as the newcomers in the forthcoming Football Kenya Federation Premier League season following a successful National Super League campaign that ended on Sunday.

Both teams had been on a promising campaign leading up to the deadline day. Fortune Sacco is now promoted after earning three free points on the road away in Kericho after relegated Gusii FC failed to turn up.

It meant the Kirinyaga-based side finished the campaign on 69 points winning 21 matches in the process across the season and a goal difference of +20.

Fortune Sacco Coach Nichodemus Omasete was thrilled after a wonderful season but wished they had an opponent to play.

“We are exceedingly happy though this is not how we should have finished our season. Overall we had a glorious campaign and  I am profoundly happy for the players and the management for a wonderful run.

“We look forward to a new challenge in the Premiership in the coming season,” he said.

Title chasing side

Fortune Sacco is now the latest team from Central Kenya to enter the top tier in almost a decade following the folding of the original Thika United FC.

NSL champions APS Bomet did just enough to tie 1-1 at home against another title-chasing side Muranga Seal. This result means APS Bomet finished the season on 71 points off 36 matches and top of the standings whereas Seal now end the campaign on 65 points.

They have an eye on the playoffs against Wazito FC who finished the season on 17th position. The Administration men finished with 23 wins and only seven losses plus a healthy goal difference of +24.

APS captain David Odhiambo said it was out of great commitment and teamwork that ensured they got the well-earned promotion.

“We had good and bad moments but in all, we kept the faith and remained humble. Massive credit to the playing unit for the teamwork displayed all through the season.

“Indeed the management and technical bench input must also be recognized. Now we shift our attention to a much tougher championship and we are hopeful we can do well,” stated the long-serving player.

Meanwhile, despite the tie-away at Bomet, Seal will be buoyed by the fact that they will be up against heavily battered Wazito FC in the playoffs. Seal in the past few weeks has been the form team with 21 wins in the season including four in the last five matches.

They only missed a direct ticket to promotion due to a few blips thus closing out the campaign with 65 points.

Fourth place Muhoroni Youth fought to a 1-1 draw results away at Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok.

Teams relegated are Dandora Love FC, Zoo Kericho FC and Gusii FC with the former two withdrawing from the League midway while Gusii finished just under 30 points and third from the bottom.