Kariobangi Sharks' Biron Otieno and Nickson Omondi during a training session/HANDOUT The wait is over as Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United begin their SportPesa League promotion/relegation playoff battle at at Mbaraki Sports Club on Thursday.
The encounter brings an end to weeks of uncertainty that delayed the start of the top flight league.
The winner on aggregate will claim the 18th and final place in the SportPesa League, while the loser will play in the National Super League next season.
Sharks, who finished bottom of the 18-team topflight, seek to preserve their top-flight status against a Mombasa United, who finished third in the National Super League.
Sharks coach William Muluya has urged his players to put the off-field dispute aside and concentrate on producing a disciplined performance in the opening leg.
“We know exactly what is at stake and there is no room for distraction now. The important thing is to concentrate on the football, play with discipline and make sure we give ourselves a good chance before the return leg,” Muluya said.
The coach expects a closely fought contest, with neither side wanting to give too much away in the opening 90 minutes. The return leg will be played in Nairobi on October 6.
“The first leg will require patience because this is not a match where you win everything in the opening 20 minutes. We have to manage the game well, take our opportunities and remain organised because there is another 90 minutes waiting for us in Nairobi,” Muluya said.
Mombasa United coach Abdulhamid Moallin, meanwhile, has been preparing his players for the demands of facing an experienced Premier League side, while also urging them to make their home advantage count.
“We have worked hard because we understand the quality of the opponent and the importance of this match. Playing at home gives us confidence, but it also brings responsibility because our supporters will expect us to start positively,” Moallin said.
Moallin does not want the significance of the playoff to put unnecessary pressure on his players. He has encouraged them to focus on the details of the game rather than constantly thinking about what promotion would mean.
"We are not thinking about promotion every minute because that can create unnecessary pressure. We are thinking about the next pass, the next challenge and the next chance. If we do those things correctly, then the result can take care of itself,” he said.
Both teams have been cleared to field their newly registered players, giving the coaches additional options.
For Sharks, the playoff represents a chance to draw a line under a difficult period and secure another season among Kenya’s top clubs. Muluya knows his players will need concentration throughout the two legs if they are to survive the battle.
“We have to respect Mombasa United because they have earned their position and they will be fighting for the same objective. Our preparation has been about concentration, discipline and understanding that every moment in these two matches can have consequences,” he said.
Brooke Phillips will take charge as centre referee, assisted by Nick Indieka and Jackson Opiayo, while Phanuel Omire has been appointed reserve referee.
James Kagera will serve as match commissioner, with FKF NEC member Caleb Amwayi leading the delegation. The officials arrived in Mombasa on Tuesday.
