KPL new boys pass the test: Kariobangi Sharks, Zoo Kericho, Nzoia Sugar and Nakumatt overcome baptism by fire to avoid relegation

Sofapaka v Nzoia Sugar Nzoia Sugar's Vincent Ngesa (left) challenges Sofapaka's Umar Kasumba during their Kenyan Premier League match at Kasarani Stadium, yesterday. [Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.co.ke]

One of the greatest stories of this year’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season is the fact that all the four teams that were promoted last season avoided the drop.

Instead, experienced teams like Western Stima and Muhoroni Youth went down and Thika United have to wait for the play-offs to be sure of survival.

Furthermore, Kariobangi Sharks, one of the four that was promoted last season finished third and also reached the final of the Gotv Shield.

This was ahead of other experienced sides like Posta Rangers, former champions Tusker, Ulinzi Stars, Sony Sugar, Mathare United and AFC Leopards.

According to Kariobangi Sharks coach Michael Muluya, taking part in a new league was a big motivation for his boys.

“We took long to settle and it was a bit unnerving after we lost the first four matches. By the time we realised that this is a league like any other, we decided to be ourselves and that is when everything started working out for us,” he said.

The coach said they had learnt the painful lesson of not underrating any team in the league. “Looking back, perhaps we should have respected all teams in the league. It is disappointing that teams like Muhoroni Youth and Thika United got maximum points from us. Perhaps, if we had not underrated them, we would have done even better but that is now behind us and we look forward to a better season next year,” said the youthful coach.

Muluya believes the team can do even better next season especially if they are able to hold onto their experienced players.

“We will have somewhere to start. A reference point especially if we can maintain our experienced players like Masoud Juma,” he said.

The tactician is equally not disappointed that his side failed to win the GOtv Shield after going down 2-0 to AFC Leopards in the final.

“Considering it was our first time in the final, we did well. Last year, we had finished third and it means we are making progress. Perhaps next year, we can win the trophy,” he said.

Nzoia Sugar, another newly promoted side, finished ninth with 44 points. The team was ahead of other established sides such as Sony Sugar, Mathare United, Chemelil Sugar and Thika United.

Zoo Kericho who earned promotion after missing out three seasons in a row finished in 12th position. They have 40 points. Nakumatt managed 15th spot after collecting 39 points.

The retailers, together with Zoo Kericho were kicked out of the league by the High Court but the order was quashed by the Court of Appeal.