3K FC players during a training session at Moi Stadium in Embu/ HANDOUT3K FC coach Nicodemus Omasete says his side is determined to finish the season on a high by securing promotion to the SportPesa Premier League.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s National Super League top-of-the-table clash against champions Migori Youth at Moi Stadium in Embu, Omasete said his team is fully focused on claiming victory in their final match of the campaign.
Migori Youth have already been crowned NSL champions and secured promotion to the top flight after an impressive campaign.
They also finished the season unbeaten at home, recording 16 wins and three draws. “Being our last game of the season, we want to win. We have prepared well the whole week, and all our players are available for selection,” said Omasete.
The tactician is also keen to maintain his unbeaten record since taking charge of the club in February. Migori Youth sit comfortably at the top of the standings with an unassailable 80 points, while 3K FC are second on 76 points. Mombasa United occupy third place with 75 points, just one point behind 3K.
“With the uncertainty on the promotion and relegation play-off, we want to win this game to be assured of the second position. Any slip-up will see Mombasa United overtake us. This game is like a final for us, and the players know what is expected of them,” added Omasete. He also called on the Football Kenya Federation to appoint competent match officials for the highly anticipated encounter.
Meanwhile, Mombasa United, coached by Peter Okidi, travel to Nairobi for a difficult fixture against Naivas FC. Omasete further expressed concern that unresolved disputes in the league could affect the integrity of the competition.
“The dispute between Migori Youth and Kabati is still at the Sports Disputes Tribunal, while there is uncertainty on the promotion criteria for the third team,” he noted.
Kabati Youth had accused Migori Youth of fielding an ineligible player during their match at Awendo Green Stadium. The FKF Appeals Committee found Migori Youth guilty, stripping them of the point earned from the match and docking them a further three points. Migori Youth were also fined Sh100,000.
However, Migori Youth moved to the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) to challenge the ruling, with the tribunal staying the implementation of the sanctions pending the hearing and determination of the case. There is also uncertainty surrounding the fate of the team that finishes third in the NSL.
It remains unclear whether the side will gain automatic promotion to the top tier or face 16th-placed SportPesa Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks in a promotion/relegation play-off.
Kariobangi Sharks have already challenged the regulations seeking to scrap the relegation/promotion play-off. With promotion implications and unresolved disputes hanging over the league, 3K FC know that victory against Migori Youth could prove decisive in their bid to secure a place in next season’s top-flight competition.
