Migori Youth out to cement top spot as NSL returns with thrilling weekend fixtures

The FKF National Super League (NSL) makes its much-anticipated return this Saturday, 25 October following a week-long suspension declared in honour of the late former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga, who passed away while receiving treatment in India.

Five fixtures will light up various venues across the country, with the highlight of round four being the clash between Mully Children’s Family (MCF) and Migori Youth FC at Ndalani Complex.

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Migori Youth will be aiming to maintain their perfect start to the campaign as they chase a fourth consecutive win.

Under head coach Sammy Otulo, the Migori-based outfit remains one of seven unbeaten sides this season, having registered narrow 1-0 victories over both Mwatate United and FC Talanta, before rallying from behind to edge Kisumu All Stars 2-1 in the Nyanza Derby just before the league’s temporary halt.

©Rodgers Odhiambo

The Mozzart Bet-sponsored side will once again rely on the attacking prowess of Churchill Otieno, Syphas Otieno, Fredrick Ologi, and youthful forward Elvis Wafula to unlock the hosts.

Victory will lift Migori Youth to 12 points, cementing their place at the summit, and opening a three-point lead at the top of the standings.

However, they face a resilient MCF side determined to build momentum after a slow start to the season.

The Machakos-based team lost their opening two matches by identical 1-0 scorelines, first at home to co-leaders Mombasa United, then away to Naivas FC before responding emphatically with a 3-0 triumph over Mwatate United in Wundanyi.

Coach Vincent Nyaberi’s charges will be eager to register their first home win and back-to-back victories this season.

A win against the in-form Migori side will propel MCF to six points, and within touching distance of the top half of the table.

The fixture has historically been tightly contested, with the last ten meetings producing four wins apiece and two draws.

Last season, MCF collected four points from the two legs, first winning 2-1 at home, before drawing 1-1 in Migori , setting the stage for another fiercely competitive encounter.

At the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) will be eyeing a swift response when they host Darajani Gogo.

The Charles Bruno-coached side suffered their first defeat of the season in their previous outing, a 1-0 setback to Kibera Black Stars courtesy of a long-range effort from Brian Odhiambo.

Victory on Saturday will lift MOFA to nine points, and keep them within reach of leaders Migori Youth and Mombasa United.

However, their visitors Darajani Gogo, coached by Andrew Ongwae, will be equally hungry for points, as they chase their first win of the campaign.

The Kibera-based side fell 1-0 to 3K FC last weekend in Embu, and will be desperate to end their barren run at one of the league’s toughest hunting venues.

Last season, both sides traded home wins with MOFA first winning 1-0 in Homa Bay, before Gogo replied with a 4-0 victory in the reverse fixture, making this another finely balanced duel with no clear favourite.

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At the KHIBT Grounds in Ngong, Naivas FC will look to bounce back after being held to a goalless draw by Vihiga United in Kisumu last time out.

The result saw Elvis Ayany’s side drop two points off the pace set by Migori Youth and Mombasa United, a gap they will be keen to close with a win this weekend.

Standing in their way, however, is a struggling Mwatate United side still in search of their first victory this season.

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Prior to the return of coach Evans Mafuta, who will be in the dug out for the first game in the season, Mwatate had recorded just one point - a 2-2 draw against Nzoia Sugar - and will be desperate to turn their fortunes around.

Historically, the fixture has been evenly poised, with Mwatate holding a slight edge from four previous meetings (two wins to one), adding extra intrigue to this encounter.

At Hope Centre, newcomers Equity FC will be out to build on their first-ever NSL win when they host Fortune Sacco.

The bankers earned their maiden victory a fortnight ago, beating fellow debutants Kabati Youth 3-1, and coach John “Kamara” Mbenzwa will be keen to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches.

A win would take Equity to seven points and boost their confidence in their inaugural campaign.

Meanwhile, Fortune Sacco, backed by the Kirinyaga-based microfinance institution, are yet to taste victory this term.

After defeats to Mombasa United and Naivas FC, and a goalless draw with Nzoia Sugar, they will be determined to change their fortunes and climb out of the lower half of the standings.

At the Green Stadium in Awendo, newly promoted Gucha Stars will mark their debut appearance in the National Super League with a stern test against experienced campaigners Vihiga United.

Coached by Sammy Okoth, formerly of Shabana FC and Migori Youth, Gucha Stars will aim to make an immediate impact in their maiden campaign.

Their opponents, led by Milton Kidiga, are winless after three matches, having recorded two draws and a defeat to MOFA, and will be equally determined to collect their first maximum points of the season.

Victory for Vihiga will take them to five points and lift them toward mid-table positions, while a debut win for Gucha would be a dream start for the newcomers.

All matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM across all venues.