Mara Sugar FC mark end-of-season with celebrations, reflections
Mara Sugar FC of the National Super League (NSL) garnered praise for their impressive performance throughout the season, yet couldn’t help but express disappointment over missed opportunities to secure a spot in the Kenya Premier League (KPL).
During the club’s end-of-season party, held at their sponsor’s premises in Narok County’s Kilgoris Constituency, head coach Francis Xavier shared mixed emotions. The sponsors presented certificates of merit to the players and coaching staff.
“While it wasn’t all bad, this was our season to reach the top. We dropped crucial points in a few games, but I believe the boys have learned from it. Next season, we have no excuse not to qualify for the KPL,” promised Xavier.
As a former Kenyan football legend, who captained Afc Leopards, the 13-time KPL champions, during his prime, Xavier possesses comprehensive knowledge about what it takes to participate in the country’s top-flight football league.
Shabana, a team based in Kisii County, emerged as the winners of the second-tier league with 73 points from 32 games. After 17 years, they earned promotion back to Kenya’s first-tier football league.
The battle for the top spot was closely contested by Muran’a Seal, who finished second with 69 points, and Migori Youth, who secured the final playoff spot, winning it by a narrow margin of two points against Mara Sugar.
Stephane Lavouviere, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Trans Mara Sugar Company, expressed immense pride in the team’s performance. Lavouviere praised the significant improvement compared to the previous season and noted the team’s determination to achieve more.
He promised continued support and an increased budget from the company to bolster the squad with quality players for the upcoming season, hoping to make it to the KPL.
As the football season in Kenya concludes for both the first and second tiers, the transfer window becomes active, with coaches and managers acquiring new players while releasing others.
Mara Sugar, now entering their second year in the second-tier league, will aspire to reach the top league after narrowly missing out on the playoff spot to Migori Youth. The club will embark on a journey to sign experienced players who can help them realize their dream in the 2024/2025 season.
