Kariobangi Sharks players during their first-leg match at Mbaraki/HANDOUT Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya has challenged his players to summon courage and intensity as they seek to overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat by Mombasa United and retain their place in the SportPesa League.
Sharks head into Tuesday’s decisive promotion-relegation playoff return leg at home knowing they must win by at least two goals to secure top-flight survival on aggregate.
Mombasa United took control of the tie at Mbaraki Sports Club last Thursday when Dennis Toeri converted a 69th-minute penalty before Tanzania-born forward Rashidi Waziri doubled the advantage six minutes later.
Dalvin Wayne, however, gave Sharks a lifeline with an 83rd-minute strike that reduced the deficit to one goal and kept the Nairobi side firmly in contention.
Muluya admits the long absence of competitive football has complicated preparations for clubs ahead of the Premier League but believes his players must now focus on execution and adaptability.
“We cannot really say that it’s a normal preparation because all the teams have had a very long preseason,” Muluya said. “None of the teams, we can say, have been in a competitive way or nature. But sometimes it’s just a game whereby you stick to your game principles and try to adapt to how the game will be.”
Muluya said his tactical approach could change depending on how the match unfolds. “But the plan might be there, but it might change as we make sure of the conditions,” he added.
The Sharks coach is also banking on home support to lift his players as they attempt to overturn the deficit. “I can say that everyone is eager to bring the vibe back,” he said.
Muluya is wary of a Mombasa United side that has strengthened their squad with experienced players who have featured in Kenya’s top flight. “Facing a side that has done very good recruitment and most of the players have had a situation where they have played in the top flight,” he said.
The stakes could not be higher, with the aggregate winner securing the final place in the 2026/27 top-flight campaign while the loser will compete in the National Super League.
Sharks therefore have 90 minutes to turn the tie around, but Muluya knows his side must balance attacking urgency with the composure needed to avoid conceding another damaging goal. For Sharks, the task is simple: overturn Mombasa United’s one-goal advantage and preserve their top-flight status.
