Promoted Shabana face Darajani Gogo in hunt for NSL title

Promoted National Super League side Shabana will be in action on Friday against Darajani Gogo at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi as they seek to crown the season with silverware.

Shabana, popularly known as the Glamour Boys sealed Kenyan Premier League promotion alongside second-placed  Murang’a Seal after accumulating unassailable 64 points.

Murang’a Seal will not be in action this weekend.

Third-placed Mara Sugar and fourth-placed Migori Youth are battling for a playoff slot.

Shabana will be targeting to complete a double on Darajani Gogo having won the first leg 3-0 at Gusii Stadium.

Shabana coach Sammy Okoth said celebrations following the KPL qualification are over as they go for the ultimate prize, the NSL title.

“I have told the players that the league is not yet over. We still have four games that we have to win to lift the NSL title. I know the game against Darajani Gogo will be tough but my boys are ready to finish the league on a high,” said Okoth.

On Thursday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu hosted Shabana for a luncheon at the Bomas of Kenya.

Darajani Gogo coach Pius Aringa promised to give Shabana a 'good send-off' to the top-tier league.

“First of all, I want to congratulate Shabana for qualifying for the KPL. However, we shall give them a good send-off by beating them on Friday. They beat us 3-0 at Gusii Stadium and we want to revenge,” added Aringa.

“Expect entertaining football from my boys. I’m sure the fans will enjoy it.”

He noted that he set the bar too high for his boys at the beginning of the season.

“Our target was to qualify for KPL but the dream has been differed to next season. A lot of issues came up including fixtures congestion. I have a young team and I’m sure we have picked valuable lessons ahead of next season,” he noted.

In the battle for a play-off slot, Mara Sugar will be away in Mombasa for an encounter against Mombasa Elites on Friday while Migori Youth will welcome Gusii FC at Migori Stadium on Sunday.

In other matches scheduled for Friday, Mully Children’s Family (MCF) will host Kibera Black Stars at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos as Kisumu All Stars welcome Coastal Heroes at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

On Saturday, SS Assad and Mwatate United will clash at Shamu grounds in Kwale county while Silibwet Leones will be at home to Naivas at Silibwet Stadium.