NSL: Mathare United, Naivas clash in high-stakes match

Naivas claimed a 2-0 win in the first leg last December and are eyeing to complete a league double over Mathare United but the Slum Boys will be keen to take advantage of the retailers’ current poor run.

The Collins Omondi led charges have recently been deflated following a five-match winless run and will be keen to avoid losing further ground in the race for topflight football promotion with eight matches left to play.

Mathare, who are eyeing an instant return to the FKF-Premier League, are also not in fine form after dropping points against Dimba Patriots and Silibwet in their recent two matches.

Their 1-1 draw against Silibwet on April 29 followed a 0-0 stalemate against Patriots last weekend.

Mathare United occupy the last automatic promotion spot on 65 points, four behind leaders Mara Sugar and two above Naivas FC.

Naivas have had an incredible run — and they have topped the table in different instances of the current campaign — but their promotion chase has been dented following two consecutive losses against leaders Mara Sugar (2-0) and Kibera Black Stars (3-2) late last month.

They picked a point in their 1-1 draw against Vihiga Bullets last weekend at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Meanwhile, Mara Sugar resume their quest for a maiden top flight football on Sunday when they travel to fifth-placed Kisumu All Stars.

The Kajiado based side have hit a rich vein of form since their 1-1 draw against MCF on March 10 and they are on an eight-match winning streak that has put them on the verge of first NSL title.