SPL: Playoffs battle reaches fever pitch

Posta Rangers goalkeeper Eliud Emase throws the ball against Kariobangi Sharks during their KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Saturday. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The past two seasons have not been kind to Posta Rangers who at their peak were easily among the top title contenders.

But since last season, they have been experiencing a free fall and barely survived the playoffs after finishing in 15th spot on the log.

Today, Posta Rangers will try and avoid the playoffs as they take on Tusker in a SportPesa Premier League (SPL) match at Ruaraka grounds.

It is a tough moment for coach John Kamau who was brought in after the departure of Sammy Omollo four months ago. He did not intend to find himself in this situation given the experience in his squad.

However, it has been a free fall for Rangers in the longest period and must do everything to avoid the playoffs. This is their only chance to be assured of their top-flight status next season.

Tusker will not be an easy bet as the team fights to finish in the top six position. The Brewers have also had a disappointing season despite hiring veteran coach Robert Matano and a host of other experienced players.

The brewers who failed to beat Zoo Kericho last weekend after tying 2-2 will look to David Majak and Boniface Muchiri for goals.

Chemelil Sugar is another club that will also be attempting to avoid the playoffs as they host Sony Sugar in a must-win fixture today.

Chemelil have managed to stabilize themselves following the appointment of Francis Barasa as head coach and would have been in a worse position.  Barasa admitted it has not been easy to put the club where it is.

“We did a lot of work to ensure the club does not go down and for a large part it has paid off. We hope it will end well,” he said.

Sony Sugar will be no push-overs following a good string of results in the last one month. Top striker Enock Agwanda has found his top form since returning to Awendo.

Zoo Kericho take on KCB today in the last play-off battle hoping to ensure their position in the top flight next season.

It has been tough for Zoo this season after letting go of a number of their top players. But recently, the team has been playing with renewed energy and determination and would be sad to see them drop to the playoffs.

AFC Leopards, KCB, Kariobangi Sharks and  Ulinzi Stars will be fighting to finish in the top eight.

Fixtures:

Tusker v Posta Rangers (Ruaraka),  KCB v Zoo Kericho (Mumias),  Ulinzi Stars v Mount Kenya United (Afraha),  Western Stima v  AFC Leopards (Kisumu), Kariobangi Sharks v Vihiga United (Kasarani), Nzoia Sugar v Bandari (Sudi), Sofapaka v Kakamega Homeboyz (Mbaraki) and Gor Mahia v Mathare United (Machakos).