Equity Bank eager to seal SportPesa League qualification in debut NSL season

Wayne Mureithi of Equity Bank (L) attempts to dribble past Gucha Stars' defenders during their NSL clash on Sunday/ANGWENYI GICHANA 

As the National Super League (NSL) promotion fight enters the homestretch, Equity Bank's assistant coach Lloyd Wahome is confident the team will seal a slot in the top-tier league.

With 10 games to play, Equity Bank sit third on the log with 53 points, five behind log leaders Migori Youth and second-placed Mombasa United.

Promotion favourites Migori Youth and Mombasa United have 58 points and are separated by a goal difference of one after 28 games.

The two sides recorded mixed results last weekend, with Mombasa United losing 2-0 to Kibera Black Stars and Migori Youth beating Naivas FC 1-0.

The top three teams will automatically qualify for the SportPesa League next season.

“We are taking one game at a time. It’s our ambition to get promoted to the SportPesa League,” added the coach.

On Sunday, they will host promotion-chasing Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA) at Mashuru Sports Complex in Kajiado County.

“It will be another tough encounter because both teams are in the promotion mix. I expect 100 per cent performance, a lot of commitment and determination to win the game,” said the former international.

In their last encounter, Equity Bank battled to a 1-1 draw against Gucha Stars at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho on Sunday.

Wahome admitted that the game would have gone either way. "Gucha Stars are a good team. We appreciate the one point,” he remarked. 

On the bottom end of the table, Kabati Youth, Mully Children’s Family (MCF), Mwatate United, and Vihiga United are threatened with relegation.

At the same time, Gucha Stars' coach Sammy Okoth says lack of consistency has been their main undoing this season.

“Even though we have been inconsistent, I’m happy with the one point against high-riding Equity Bank. The boys played well, and as we approach the last 10 games, we are looking forward to better results,” said Okoth.