Kariobangi Sharks head coach William 'Kanu' Muluya/HANDOUT
Kariobangi Sharks head into the most decisive 90 minutes of their SportPesa Premier League campaign on Sunday knowing only victory can keep their survival hopes alive.
Sharks will face already-relegated Sofapaka FC at Kasarani Annex with their top-flight status hanging precariously after a difficult season left them trapped in the relegation zone heading into the final day.
William “Kanu” Muluya’s side sit 16th on 35 points and must beat Sofapaka while hoping results elsewhere swing in their favour. Even victory may not be enough. Sharks still need Mathare United to drop points against Bandari FC in Kericho and must also overturn a difficult goal-difference deficit to escape relegation.
“We find ourselves in a position where looking back does no good, and only flawless execution on Sunday will give us a fighting chance,” said Muluya ahead of the club’s final training sessions.
It has been a punishing campaign for the Sharks, characterised by defensive lapses and missed opportunities at critical moments. Despite maintaining their possession-based style, they have repeatedly surrendered leads and dropped valuable points during the closing stages of matches.
Club captain Kevin Otiala admitted the magnitude of the task ahead. “We owe it to the badge, our fans, and the hard work we have put in all year to approach this match like a cup final,” Otiala said. “Nobody wants to be part of the group that lets this great club drop from the Premier League.”
Sofapaka, meanwhile, arrive with their relegation already confirmed after a disappointing season that condemned them to the National Super League. However, head coach Juma Abdalla insists his side will not ease off despite their fate already being sealed. “We may be down, but our professional integrity remains intact, and we will approach this match with the utmost seriousness,” Abdalla said.
Sofapaka captain Clifton Miheso echoed those sentiments, saying the club wants to finish the campaign with dignity. “We want to leave this stage with our heads held high, and that means putting in a performance that respects the league,” Miheso said.
For Sharks, that only makes the assignment more dangerous, with relegated teams often becoming unpredictable once pressure is removed. Muluya has spent the week drilling discipline and emotional control into his squad, aware that anxiety could undermine their survival bid.
“In football, when your back is against the wall, you quickly learn what your team is truly made of,” he said. The tactician added that concentration during transitions will be crucial, warning that one lapse could instantly end their hopes. “We cannot afford to let anxiety dictate our decision-making,” Muluya said. “Every pass, every tackle, and every chance we create must be executed with absolute focus because there is no tomorrow.”
Elsewhere, newly crowned champions Gor Mahia will host Nairobi United at Nyayo Stadium in their official title coronation match. Second-placed AFC Leopards will seek to cement their runner-up finish when they take on already relegated Bidco United at Ulinzi Sports Complex. Kenya Police will face Kakamega Homeboyz in a battle for mid-table supremacy at the Police Sacco Stadium.
Shabana will host KCB at Awendo Green Stadium, while Murang’a SEAL welcome Mara Sugar FC at the SportPesa Arena. Mathare United travel to Kericho Green Stadium needing just one point against Bandari to secure safety.
Ulinzi Stars are also fighting for survival and require a positive result away to Posta Rangers at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. Tusker, meanwhile, will look to end a turbulent campaign on a positive note when they host APS Bomet at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea.
