‎Badi blames poor home form for Kibera Black Stars' mid-table finish, calls for NSL sponsorship

Kibera Black Stars head coach Iddi Badi has attributed his team's ninth-place finish in the National Super League (NSL) to their poor home record and inability to sustain winning runs throughout the season.

‎Speaking to Citizen Digital after the conclusion of the campaign, Badi acknowledged that the Nairobi-based side struggled to capitalize on home advantage, a factor he believes cost them a stronger position in the league standings. He noted that his team collected better results on the road than in front of their own supporters.

‎Despite showing resilience in away matches, Kibera Black Stars failed to turn their home ground into a fortress, ultimately finishing ninth with 53 points.

‎"We lacked consistency at home, it is one of the reasons we dropped points. Looking at other teams that performed, they capitalized on home advantage. We signed good players but winning consistency at home is what we lacked," he said.

‎Badi also used took the opportunity to call on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to secure a title sponsor for the National Super League ahead of the upcoming season. He argued that the competition has grown into one of the most competitive leagues in the country and is home to many gifted players whose talents deserve greater investment and exposure.

‎According to the coach, attracting sponsorship would not only improve the financial stability of clubs but also create better opportunities for player growth and development. He added that increased support from corporate partners and stakeholders would strengthen the overall quality of the league and help clubs operate more professionally.

‎"I urge the federation to source sponsorship for the NSL because that is where raw talent is. By doing so, Benni McCarthy can even get more players for Harambee Stars when the league teams are sponsored,” he added.

‎The 2025/26 NSL season saw Migori Youth emerge as champions, earning automatic promotion to the FKF Premier League. 3K FC secured second place, while Mombasa United finished third, with all three sides booking their places in Kenya's top-flight competition for next season.