FKF-PL: Shabana, Muhoroni Youth and Sofapaka fight to avoid drop in final day

Kariobangi Sharks Biron Otieno and Prince Ayeko (left) of Shabana during FkF Premier League match at Dandora Stadium. May 18, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

As the FKF Premier League 2023-2024 season finale approaches, the spotlight shifts dramatically from the title race to the intense battle for survival.

With Gor Mahia having secured the championship four weeks ago, the final day of the season is poised to determine which teams will face the heartbreak of relegation to the second-tier National Super League.

On Sunday, June 23rd, the fixtures will see Shabana, Sofapaka, and Muhoroni Youth fighting desperately to avoid the drop.

Shabana FC sits in 15th place with 36 points. The team secured a crucial 3-0 victory against Bidco United in their midweek fixture, which boosted their survival hopes.

Their final match will be against Murang’a SEAL, a side currently in 13th place with 38 points, just two points above Shabana.

This match is essentially a relegation playoff, where a win for Shabana could see them secure their place in the league for next season.

Sofapaka, in 16th place with 33 points, faces an uphill task.

They have been struggling, and their 1-1 draw against Nairobi City Stars in the midweek round didn’t do much to alleviate their precarious position.

They will be up against Nzoia Sugar, who are at the bottom of the table with 22 points and already relegated.

While Sofapaka has a relatively easier opponent, they will need not only to win but also hope that other results go their way.

Sofapaka has the advantage of playing against the already relegated Nzoia Sugar. However, they need to ensure a strong performance to capitalize on this opportunity. A win could see them stay up

Muhoroni Youth is currently in 17th place with 31 points. However, their stunning 6-0 victory against Nzoia Sugar in the midweek has given them a glimmer of hope.

They will face Posta Rangers, who are 9th in the standings and safe from the relegation battle. Muhoroni Youth must secure a win and hope that Sofapaka and Shabana lose their respective matches to avoid relegation.

Despite their impressive midweek victory, Muhoroni Youth faces a tough challenge against Posta Rangers. While a win is crucial, their fate also hinges on the results of the other matches. Their goal difference of -11 compared to Sofapaka’s -16 could play a significant role if both teams end up with the same points.

While the relegation battle garners most of the attention, other fixtures and individual accolades are also at stake.

Gor Mahia, already crowned champions, will play against Nairobi City Stars. Tusker, in second place, will face Kakamega Homeboyz, aiming to consolidate their position.

The race for the Golden Boot is also a highlight. Gor Mahia’s Benson Ochieng leads the chart with 17 goals, followed closely by Kenya Police’s Tito Okello with 16 goals and John Makwata of Kakamega Homeboyz with 15 goals.

This final round of matches could see a last-minute change in the top scorer standings, adding another layer of excitement to the season finale.

The FKF Premier League 2023-2024 season finale promises a thrilling climax with multiple teams battling for survival. Shabana, Sofapaka, and Muhoroni Youth are all in precarious positions, and their final day performances will determine their fate.

Meanwhile, the top scorer race adds another competitive edge to the final round of fixtures.