Relegation battle heats up as Sportpesa Premier League winds down

It’s remarkable that seven more clubs are still sucked into the Sportpesa Premier League relegation battle heading into the top flight’s penultimate weekend. With Thika United and Wazito already gone, one more team will seek survival via the playoff. The most unlikely candidates for the chop are undoubtedly Posta Rangers, who are just a point above the relegation/promotion slot ahead of their tricky duel with Sony Sugar, who, despite being 10th on 39 points, they are also not yet assured of avoiding the chop.

With the experience in the squad they assembled earlier in the season, Posta were expected to compete in the top half of the table and even challenge for the title. Lack of firepower upfront have seen them endure an annoyingly inconsistent season and even playing at home against Sony in this vital match-up does not guarantee them three points, something that must frustrate coach Sammy Omollo very much. Failure this Sunday will likely have a regrettable effect for the mailmen that nobody foresaw.

Chemelil Sugar’s 20 years in the top flight looks most at risk despite their crucial victory over Thika on Thursday, which gave them a lifeline in the dogfight. Chemelil, with 35 points, play hosts to a Kakamega Homeboyz side that is safely ensconced in mid table with another year among the elite secured. Nakumatt’s penchant for gung-ho approach in their matches have seen them dragged back into the relegation mire despite looking relatively safe midway through the second half of the season. This means that, starting with today’s encounter away at Sofapaka, six points from two matches will be required to erase the relegation fears that will become more real if Chemelil win and they fail to beat Sofapaka.

The momentum in the survival race is surely with new boys Vihiga United who, with 37 points need four points to remain in the top division for a second year running. In front of their own fans, the debutants will relish their meeting with Kariobangi Sharks after winning their last two matches including against champions-in-waiting, Gor Mahia on Wednesday.

Should they not maintain their topflight status, Nzoia United will rue the decision to let go top striker Elvis Rupia and their coach Bernard Mwalala, the two figures who had made them look like a mid table outfit and not a side that will be engaged in a relegation scrap like they are now. With 38 points, victory over Tusker may take them just over the line in the scramble to beat the drop.