PREVIEW: Bumbani, Soy United ready to battle after 3-month wait in controversial NSL playoffs

Bumbani Stars FC and Soy United will clash this afternoon at Dandora Stadium in a decisive FKF Division One playoff that will determine who secures the final National Super League (NSL) slot for the 2025–26 season.

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Both sides finished second in their respective zones — Bumbani in Zone A and Soy in Zone B—setting up a high-stakes showdown for a coveted place in the country’s second-tier.

For Soy United, the encounter marks a chance to return to the NSL four years after relegation. The team has been sharpening its form with several high-profile friendlies against top-flight clubs such as Shabana FC, Kakamega Homeboyz, Kariobangi Sharks, Nairobi United, and Sofapaka.

Bumbani, representing Kwale County, are eyeing a historic promotion as they seek to grace the NSL stage for the first time in the club’s history.

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The buildup to the match has been nothing short of drama. Initially, Bumbani faced Compel FC in a playoff encounter whose results were later annulled, while Soy United’s automatic promotion was reversed following a court ruling that reshuffled the standings in Zone B.

The drama began when the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee docked Gucha Stars three points for allegedly fielding an ineligible player against Nakuru Bucks.

The deduction dropped Gucha from first to third, allowing Compel to rise to second and face Bumbani in a hastily organised playoff that Compel won 2–0. However, a subsequent court ruling ordered a replay of the disputed Gucha–Bucks match.

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Gucha reclaimed the deducted points with a 2–0 victory, restoring their top position and pushing Soy United back to second, thereby making them eligible for today’s playoff. Compel’s earlier promotion was nullified, while Bumbani earned a second shot at their NSL dream.

Ahead of the clash, Soy United head coach Jeffers Odongo expressed gratitude to FKF for acting swiftly to schedule the match.

“I thank the federation for organising this playoff early because we were already preparing for life in the NSL. This match has found us ready,” he told the club’s media team.

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Odongo, who previously served as assistant coach at Wazito FC during the 2022 Promotion/Relegation playoff against Murang’a Seal, says experience has taught him what it takes to win on such occasions.

“Playoffs are not new to me. I’ve been part of one before with Wazito, so I know what it takes. We’ve prepared well, and our focus is on winning—because in playoffs, only one result matters.”

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The tactician believes his squad’s mental resilience will be their biggest strength.

“I have one of the best squads in terms of mentality. They were disappointed at first because we had already set our sights on playing in the NSL, but they quickly adapted and are now fully ready for the challenge.”

Kick-off is at 2:00 PM.

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