Court clears way for National Super League kick-off

The 2025/26 National Super League (NSL) season will finally begin this weekend after a turbulent delay, following a ruling by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT). The SDT has cleared the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to proceed with the league’s kickoff on Saturday, 20 September, but crucially, the league will begin without two newly-promoted sides — Soy United and Compel FC.

During a Monday sitting, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was directed to file submissions by Tuesday, with a ruling expected on Friday. In the meantime, the Tribunal has allowed the NSL to proceed, minus the two clubs at the center of the dispute.

The NSL’s original kickoff date of 13 September had been frozen by the Tribunal after Nakuru Bucks lodged a formal complaint accusing Gucha Stars of fielding an ineligible player during a crucial Division One fixture last season.

The FKF’s Leagues and Competitions Committee later confirmed that the player listed as Eugene Nyakaga was allegedly an imposter — Bildad Marube, who was not registered on the FIFA Connect system. This violation led to Gucha Stars being penalized, losing three points, and dropping from the automatic promotion spot.

That ruling paved the way for Soy United to be promoted automatically and Compel SC to claim a playoff win over Bumbani Stars, both earning NSL spots. However, Gucha Stars appealed, and the FKF Appeals Committee ruled that the initial punishment — although well-intentioned — was issued by a body acting outside its jurisdiction.

 The matter escalated further when Gucha secured a High Court order mandating a replay of the disputed fixture against Nakuru Bucks. The outcome of that match could drastically alter the promotion standings once again.

Until the replay is held and a final decision made, the Tribunal has barred Soy United and Compel FC from participating in the NSL. This decision means Compel’s opening fixture against Kisumu All Stars and Soy’s scheduled clash with Darajani Gogo have both been postponed pending the hearing and determination of the case.

In the meantime, the rest of the league is set to move forward. Reigning sides like MOFA FC, Fortune Sacco, Darajani Gogo, and Naivas will be in action, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.

Updated NSL 2025/26 Game Week One Fixtures:

 Saturday, 20 September 2025 – 3:00 PM

·        Migori Youth vs Mwatate United – Green Stadium

·        MCF vs Mombasa United – MCF Sports Complex

·        Luanda Villa vs Samwest Blackboots – Mumboha Grounds

Sunday, 21 September 2025 – 3:00 PM

·        Nzoia Sugar vs 3K Football Club – Sudi Stadium

·        Kibera Black Stars vs Talanta – Vapor Grounds

·        Kabati Youth vs Vihiga United – Thika Stadium

·        MOFA vs Nairobi City Stars – Raila Odinga Stadium

·        Fortune Sacco vs Naivas FC – Wang’uru Stadium

Postponed Fixtures (Pending Tribunal Outcome)

·        Compel FC vs Kisumu All Stars – Sudi Stadium

·        Darajani Gogo vs Soy United – Hope Centre