NSL: Six talking points from weekend’s action

Kibera Black Stars stick to their ideals, even in defeat

Courageous, committed, and living on the edge - three ways to describe Kibera Black Star’s display in their 1-0 defeat to Migori Youth on Sunday. Moses Onyango and Noah Abich are known for their attacking football philosophy but even he surprised a few with his strategy against in-form opponents. Peter Okidi’s tactics left the Kibera looking narrow but the intensity they brought in the press threw Migori off their game. It was a performance that despite ending in a loss, illustrated how far Yamama have come. “It was high stakes, high risk in terms of how we set up,” reflected Kibera's coach. “We wanted to embrace the uncomfortableness of it, and I thought we did that.

Omundi makes MCFs’ point

On paper, an encounter between the Mully Children Family and Luanda Villa at the Kenyatta Stadium looked evenly matched and so it eventually proved in a 1-1 draw. Villa have been in positive form so far this season, while the hosts have markedly declined in form from last year but with the coming of a new coach, fireworks were expected. Vincent Nyaberi and Tom Tera also set up their teams in similar formations and, as such, a chess match ensued, one that Luanda largely dominated. Villa blinked first, shifting to a back four at the break and placing Timothy Ndayala in the No. 10 role in an attempt to unlock the hosts’ press. While Luanda should have put the game to bed after Brian Bett fired them ahead, Nyaberi will have been pleased with the grit and desire his players showed. Kevin Omundi’s last-gasp leveler exemplified the tenacity with which Mully finished the game, providing a platform to build on for the new gaffer.

FKFPL Week 12: Unstoppable Posta matches on as Gor Mahia bounces back

No doubting Thomas but plenty doubting Rainbow

Before the start of the season, Rainbow were many people’s tips to break into the top and earn promotion to the FKF Premier League given their form during the last campaign that gave them a place in the second tier. Their start to the season, however, has been poor and their woes deepened with a fourth stalemate of the season, against league leaders Mathare United on Saturday. Erick Macharia’s side were bright early on but their penchant for conceding at crucial moments continued. They were a shadow of themselves in the second half as the hosts, and specifically, Steve Kimari, compounded their problems, however, a David Wafula goal salvaged a point for the once ambitious club, with expectations high, pressure will be mounting on Macharia to instigate a result in their next league action.

Dimba Patriots face rough waters

Claiming eight of a maximum of 33 points and only registering one win in eleven games this season so far, Dimba Patriots are lingering dangerously close to the relegation spot after a 1-0 home defeat to Darajani Gogo. Dimba sits above Vihiga Bullets and MCF on goal difference and their manager, Idd Shikanda, acknowledged that his side are in a transition period, a young and inexperienced squad lacking vital seasoned players. And while they have no issue scoring goals, Dimba are leaking them just as easily. Unless they can tighten up defensively, they are likely to remain in rough waters, fighting to keep their place in the National Super League.

Mixed results for Stars Abroad in Sunday action

Mombasa Elite’s defense unable to hang on … again

Mombasa Elite self-sabotaged twice in their 2-1 loss against Nairobi United, again failing to register a win in six consecutive league matches. After a lively start and a goal from Emmanuel Changwe things were looking up for the Elite, but Henry Omollo’s wonderful strike gave Nairobi parity at the break. Then, after the break United were gifted the fightback narrative, Elite made a poor decision defensively, allowing Elson Wangamati to net a late winner. Elite have now conceded nine goals in the last 3 National Super League games, a leaky defense now a worrying pattern for the side.

NSL: Mara Sugar whip Gusii to pile pressure on Mathare United

Odhiambo hails Nairobi’s spirit in adversity

After ending their streak of four matches without a win Nairobi United the manager, Paul Okatwa Odhiambo, praised his team for how they have coped during a period of turmoil as injuries threatened to derail their early season momentum. “We see a team here in an adverse moment that we are hopefully on the verge of turning around with players returning,” he said. “I think we have been managing a difficult period so far very, very well; and that’s important if you want to build a winning team.”