Football: Vihiga relegated from Premier League after loss to Western Stima

Vihiga United players celebrate after scoring against Ulinzi Stars during their Sportpesa Premier League match played at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Dec 9, 2018. Vihiga United won 2-0. [Eric Lungai, Standard]

Vihiga United were relegated from the Sportpesa Premier League on Sunday following their 2-1 defeat to visiting Western Stima as Zoo secured a big chance to avoid the drop with a 3-2 victory over 10-man Kakamega Homeboyz in Kericho.

Vihiga becomes the second side to be relegated to the National Super League after bottom rooted Mt Kenya United, whose fate was sealed early in the campaign.

Zoo’s win in Kericho, ended Vihiga’s two-year stay in the top flight with a game of the season left to play.

The 17th placed Sammy Okoth’s side went into the weekend’s match at Bukhungu Stadium needing to win and praying that their relegation rivals Zoo lose against Homeboyz to take the battle down to the wire.

That, however, never came to pass as Henry Onyango’s late winner condemned the cash-strapped Vihiga to the National Super League next season.

While Vihiga were trying to absorb the relegation blow, youngster Derrick Anami’s 77th minute priceless goal, his second of the day, sparked wild celebrations in Kericho as they temporarily avoided the drop.

With 32 points and placed 15th on the standings, Zoo must now avoid defeat against KCB on the final day of the season tomorrow and hope Chemelil Sugar (31), who currently occupy the play-off slot, drop points in their millers’ derby tie against Sony Sugar.

Having seen it all with the team that has toyed with relegation in the last two seasons, talisman Bernard Wanguche has urged his troops to finish off the job tomorrow.

“We are feeling happy, but with some limitation because we still want to avoid the play-offs. We have survival fate in our own hands. But as you know in football, nothing is impossible. We should try our best and avoid going for the play-offs,” Wanguche told Standard Sports.

“We need to continue from where we left off against Homeboyz and finish our season on a high note. Homeboyz really gave us a run for our money, but I’m glad the boys rose to the occasion. I was specifically pleased with Onami’s contribution, whose brace won us the game.”

But for Vihiga, just like Mt Kenya, their goose was cooked way back in the season.

Both sides have endured a turbulent season that was full of financial constraints.

While Vihiga struggled to honour their matches, Mt Kenya dished out two walk overs against record champions Gor Mahia and Mathare United.

The teams have spent the better part of the season in the danger zone.

Ironically, even the decision for Vihiga to raid Zoo for their coach Sammy Okoth last month couldn’t help to save their sinking ship.