KPL: Vihiga, Nzoia, Chemelil and Rangers retain SPL status
Football
By
Rodgers Eshitemi
| Oct 08, 2018
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Newcomers Vihiga United retained their SportPesa Premier League status after beating Nakumatt 2-0 in yesterday's final match of the season at Ruaraka Grounds.
Nzoia Sugar, Chemelil Sugar and Posta Rangers also avoided the relegation/promotion playoffs after registering impressive results on a scintillating season finale.
Kenya Commercial Bank became the second team, after Western Stima, to be promoted back to the next year's topflight football after seeing off a stubborn Talanta 2-0 in yesterday's National Super League match at Camp Toyoyo.
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Kariobangi Sharks striker Erick Kapaito claimed the golden boot after scoring his 16th goal of the campaign in his side's 1-1 stalemate with Chemelil Sugar at Toyoyo.
The result moved Vihiga level on points (41) with 13th placed Nzoia, who defeated AFC Leopards 2-0 in Machakos as Nakumatt dropped to the relegation play-off.
The 16th placed Nakumatt will play either Nairobi Stima or Ushuru in the playoffs.
"It is a great feeling to have achieved our mission of playing in the Premier League next season," said Vihiga coach Mike Mururi.
"I thank the boys for a job well-done. It has not been an easy journey on our debut season, but our hard work has paid off," told The Standard Sports.
"This was the mother of all finals and that's why I told the boys to give their all and finish in a respectable position."
Despite the result, Chemelil avoided the play-offs alongside Nzoia Sugar and Posta Rangers, who forced Kakamega Homeboyz to a barren draw in Mumias.
"It is a huge relief to the team; we are not going for the play-offs. We had a lot of challenges this season and we have also learnt a lot too," said Posta Rangers coach Sammy Omollo.
Vihiga (41), Nzoia Sugar (41), Chemelil (39) and Posta Rangers (38) finished the season 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th respectively.