Luanda Villa take on Naivas FC in super weekend of NSL action
By Barry Silah, January 18, 2025
Luanda Villa’s strong season will be put to the test tomorrow at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County when they face off against an ambitious Naivas FC in a Round 17 National Super League clash.
The western-based Villa, currently in seventh place with 22 points, have had a slight wobble in their recent three matches, and they will need to be at their best away to the Retailers.
Villa lost their last match 1-2 against Nairobi United and will be looking to make key adjustments ahead of this fixture.
Under the guidance of veteran coach Leonard Saleh, the team has struggled with an underwhelming away record, but they will be hoping to turn the tide in their favour.
Naivas, on the other hand, are coming off a hot streak of two consecutive wins and will be buoyed by their recent form. Currently in 11th place with 18 points, the former Playoff finalists understand the need for consistency to secure a strong finish in the 2024/25 season.
With a match in hand and a goal difference of +5, the Nairobi-based side has conceded 14 goals, and Villa will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in their defence.
Meanwhile, league leaders APS Bomet FC, under Evans Mafuta, will be eager to maintain their top spot when they host Migori Youth FC at Bomet Stadium on Sunday. The administration side, currently sitting atop the standings with 29 points from 15 matches, has been on a good run, winning three consecutive games.
However, APS Bomet know that on a good day, Migori Youth can pose a significant challenge. The South Rift-based side has a mixed recent record, having dropped five points in their last two matches, but has shown marked improvement after a poor start. Currently in 10th place with 19 points, Migori Youth have two matches in hand. The last three meetings between the two sides have seen one win apiece and one draw.
Elsewhere, high-flying Kibera Black Stars FC is on a mission and will clash with Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) tomorrow at Jamhuri Complex off Ngong Road. The slum boys, in second place with 28 points, are riding a four-match winning streak, and all eyes are on them as they aim for the top spot.
MOFA, in fourth place with 25 points, are making a solid debut season in the league. This should be a challenging test for Alfred Chole’s side as they look to halt Black Stars’ momentum, who have won eight of their 15 games.