Mara coach Xavier calls for consistency in hunt for KPL promotion

Mara Sugar FC coach Francis Xavier has told his players to stay focused on promotion to the Kenya Premier League with just four National Super League matches remaining.

Boosted by Monday’s 7-0 thrashing of bottom-placed Silibwet Leons at Silibwet Stadium in Bomet, Xavier said they must sustain the good run as they get to the business end of the season.

"We need to focus all our energies on all the games, nothing else. We should think about each of our remaining matches since nobody knows what will happen between now and the end of the league,” he said.

The tactician believes that his players have the desire to excel after tough days in training.

“We thank God for everything," he said after Monday's win. "This huge win is a big boost in our quest for promotion to the KPL.” 

Following the victory, the Narok-based team moved to third on the NSL standings with 53 points same as fourth-placed Migori Youth.

Mara Sugar's next match will be at home to Assad at Awendo Stadium on Saturday and then head to Mombasa for a clash against Modern Coast Rangers on June 23. The team will also host Vihiga United in their penultimate match on June 28.

Against Silibwet, Mara went into the lead in the 30th minute through Mohammed Baraza’s fine finish after he collected a loose ball in the box.

Baraza was on the mark again in the 63rd-minute.

The Narok-based team continued to pile more pressure on their opponents and resulted in Philemon Nyakwaka firing the third goal in the 67th minute.

Victor Ngume then wreaked havoc with a 12-minute demolition of the hosts, with goals in the 77th, 81st, 85th and 89th minutes.

A disappointed Silibwet coach Eric Ronoh said the loss was a big blow to his players and the home fans.

“It was a bad day in the office and the loss has really demoralised the players. But nevertheless, we live to fight another day,” said Ronoh.

He added that his team has been dogged by financial challenges which has forced him into limiting his squad to just 14 players.

“Our poor performances are due to fatigue. We have no capacity to maintain a big squad due to lack of finances,” he said.

Ronoh called on Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok as well as well-wishers to come to the aid of the team as they seek to keep football afloat in South Rift since they are the only team in the second tier.