Karuturi relegation spells doom on Naivasha

By GILBERT WANDERA

NAIVASHA, KENYA: The relegation of Karuturi Sports from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) may as well sound the death knell for football in Naivasha.

Karuturi was the only team in the top league from Naivasha and their exit may  bring to an end what has been a consistent appearance by Naivasha-based teams in the country’s top league.

Tears will be shed for Karuturi, considering their consistent performance over the years, being the giant killers  who felled even the best teams visiting Naivasha.

Until last weekend, there was still hope that the Naivasha side would survive but a 2-0 loss to Mathare United confined them to the bottom of the log on 22 points with no hope of surviving even if they win their remaining fixture this weekend.

Naivasha has always boasted of having competitive teams in the KPL over the years. Eight years ago, the town even produced a local champion when Oserian Fastac won the league.

However, restructuring of the flower firm led to the disbandment of the team which  was relegated from the top league two years ago.

Karuturi’s relegation and that of Oserian two years ago is, perhaps, an indicator of the changing fortunes of football in  Naivasha.

The demise of football in Naivasha has been attributed to decreased support for teams by flower farms in the area. To find themselves where they are, Karuturi have struggled to pay their players, something that has made it impossible for them to keep top players.

The team has also had a change of coaches this season after Michael Nam left and was replaced by James Omondi who has since departed to give way to former international Jacob Omondi.

Mathare United eased their relegation fears by stopping Karuturi 2-0. It  has been a major fall from grace for United since  the team won the KPL in 2008.

Inadequate sponsorship has meant the team could not keep its top players.

Despite holding Sofapaka to a barren draw, Western Stima still find themselves in danger of relegation as they move into 32 points on the log.

Sony Sugar are back on track after upsetting former champions Tusker 3-2 at Nyayo Stadium.

Kakamega Homeboyz must beat AFC Leopards this weekend to survive, but it may still be too late too little.

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