Black Stars coach Badi hails 'competitive nature' of NSL

Kibera Black Stars head coach Iddi Badi believes the current National Super League (NSL) season is the most fiercely contested campaign in the league’s history.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Badi noted that the level of competition has risen significantly, making it increasingly difficult to predict who will eventually emerge champions.

According to the tactician, the title race is tighter than ever, with multiple teams still firmly in contention. He pointed out that all sides currently in the top eight possess the quality and determination required to lift the trophy.

Badi also observed that even teams near the bottom of the table are battling hard for results, further intensifying the competition across the league.

“It is really difficult to predict the champions because all the top eight teams stand a chance. This season is highly competitive, and I credit NSL coaches for the good job they are doing,” he said.

He attributed part of this heightened competitiveness to the recently introduced promotion and relegation structure. Under the new system, the top three teams secure automatic promotion to the top tier, while the bottom three are relegated.

“Teams understand that the promotion format has changed, so everyone is pushing to be among the top three and taking each match seriously,” he added.

Badi believes this structure has kept teams motivated throughout the season, with every point proving crucial in determining their fate.

Meanwhile, the race for promotion remains extremely tight. Mombasa United lead the standings with 55 points, holding a narrow edge over Migori Youth (52). Equity Bank FC sit third on 49 points, closely followed by 3K FC (47), while MOFA FC round off the top five with 45 points.

With only a handful of points separating the leading pack, the battle for promotion is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.