Newly promoted 3K FC shifts focus to SportPesa League debut

Migori Youth players celebrate after lifting the NSL title/HANDOUT 

3K FC head coach Nicodemus Omasete has shifted focus to preparations for the club’s historic SportPesa Premier League debut after securing promotion from the National Super League (NSL).

The Embu-based side capped off their impressive NSL campaign with a 1-1 draw against champions Migori Youth in their final match of the season at Moi Stadium, Embu, on Saturday.

Omasete said the team now faces the challenge of adapting to the demands of top-flight football, with limited time to get ready for the new campaign. “We thank God for the promotion to the SportPesa League. We now go to the drawing board and prepare for our league debut. The level has changed, and we have less than two months to prepare,” said Omasete.

The coach revealed that players will take a one-week break before reporting back for pre-season training. Omasete has overseen a remarkable turnaround since taking charge in February.

At the time of his appointment, 3K FC trailed the promotion places by 12 points. Under his leadership, the club went unbeaten in 19 second-leg matches, winning 15 and drawing four to seal promotion.

Migori Youth coach Sammy Owano expressed confidence that his side is ready for life in the top tier. “We take a two-week break before we start our pre-season. These are the same players who will play for us in the Premier League,” said Owano.

Migori Youth finished the season as NSL champions with 81 points, while 3K FC secured second place with 77 points. Mombasa United ended third, just one point behind 3K FC.

However, Mombasa United’s fate remains uncertain due to ongoing cases before the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) and the High Court concerning promotion and relegation regulations.

Migori Youth and 3K FC are set to replace relegated Bidco United and Sofapaka in the SportPesa Premier League, while the fate of 16th-placed Kariobangi Sharks also rests with the SDT.

At the other end of the table, Mully Children’s Family (MCF) joined Mwatate United and Vihiga United in dropping to the third tier. Darajani Gogo, who concluded their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Nairobi City Stars, are also awaiting the outcome of legal proceedings to determine their status. Former FKF Premier League side Kisumu All Stars secured their NSL status after edging Vihiga United 1-0 at Kodiaga Prisons Grounds.

Fortune Sacco striker Collins Maina finished as the league’s top scorer with 25 goals to claim the Golden Boot award, while Equity Bank goalkeeper Michael Onyango won the Golden Glove. Maina’s prolific form has reportedly attracted interest from several SportPesa Premier League clubs.