SportPesa Premier League relegation battle intensifies

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

With Thika United and Wazito already relegated from the SportPesa Premier League and Gor Mahia waiting for their coronation as 2018 champions in Kisumu on Sunday, the big question is, who will join the duo in the National Super League next year?

Wazito’s relagation was confirmed yesterday after their Chemelil Sugar beat their hosts Thika 1-0.

Wazito lost 2-1 to Kariobangi Sharks on Wednesday.

Four teams at the bottom of the table are all in the mix for play-offs against third-placed finishers in the second tier league.

Debutants Vihiga United (37), Posta Rangers (37), Nakumatt (36) and Chemelil (35) are all in the sludge of clashing with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Nairobi Stima or Ushuru in the play-offs.

The quartet has remained with two matches each that could determine their destiny in the top flight that ends on October 7.

The relegation-cum-promotion play-offs battle could even be decided on the final day.

Just like the relegation battle, promotion race to SPL has become more exciting with four NSL teams in contention for the two automatic promotion slots as the league enters its homestretch today.

Western Stima (73) have mathematically made their SPL return with three matches to go, but this will be officially confirmed if they beat their rivals Coast Stima in Kisumu today.

Resurgent Kenya Commercial Bank (66) have a date with Green Commandos at Camp Toyoyo (4:15pm) as they also seek a return to the topflight league. 

The late kick-off encounter will be preceded by a 2pm tie between Ushuru (61) against St Joseph Youth.

Third-placed Nairobi Stima can’t afford further slip against Administration Police tomorrow.

But one question that has been bothering many football fans is how Thika United were relegated.