The National Super League (NSL) returns this weekend after a week-long break to pave the way for the prestigious Mozzart Bet Cup preliminary round matches. With the comeback, a lot is at stake with teams looking to finish the first leg on high and usher in a terrific second phase with fights on both ends of the table. Here are the talking points ahead of the weekend action.##NAJAVA_MECA_7837844##Mwaura stopping the slideEdwin Mwaura has been sensational since taking over the Nairobi United head coach role on an interim basis, however, faces a tough test to his reign this weekend when they lock horns against the league leaders Naivas FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. Since taking over in mid-December, Mwaura has led the retailers to four consecutive wins managing to stop the big dogs along the way, a 2-1 win over Rainbow FC two weeks ago was a clear message of his ambitions with the NSL moneybags. And with four points in between them and the top spot, it will be interesting to see how he manages to silence a much-revamped Naivas who have lost only once in the last 12 games. Xavier faces former bossesA 2-0 defeat to Mathare United on October 2023 at Utalii Grounds not only derail the Millers’ promotion quest but also snatched them a coach who had overseen their transfer business and was poised as a man to lead them to new heights. The news of Francis Xavier stepping down to take a role with Sofapaka came as a shocker to the majority of the NSL loyalists. Two months later, they cross paths when Kajiado FC hosts the Sugar Men at the Ildamat Stadium on Saturday in a match that will dictate moves on both ends of the table. Mara are yet to pick the gears under new gaffer Benedict Wanjala while Kajiado are in a pathetic run that has seen them fail to win a match for nine successive games leaving Xavier scratching his head to turn around the fortunes of the once ambitious club. Shikalo not in hurry to make move despite transfer window nearing closure.Migori Youth to Pile More Misery Mumboha Stadium plays host to an intriguing match-up between Luanda Villa and Migori Youth. The Mozzart Bet Cup hangover is real and it is nasty Villa are the latest casualty to befall the sickness following elimination by a county league entity Al Azizia from Meru. They are winless in the league and have suffered four defeats in six matches.Apart from the on-field performance, Villa are the most hit in the ongoing player registration window having lost more than six of their key players, captain Vincent Mulama is now pulling the strings for Mara Sugar, goalkeeper Elix Otieno and defender Justin Munika are chasing promotion with Naivas while Gregory Shikanga, Samuel Maya and shot-stoppers trainer Goofery Oputi have also alighted from the ship.Last weekend’s loss to the sixth-tier side was embarrassing and a tie against a well-organized Migori Youth is unlikely to be the game where Villa will stop the rot. Despite a 2-0 defeat at Mulembe United in their last match, Kevin Olouch has Migori playing exceptionally well given their resources. The trip to Mumboha is not likely to be an easy one, even considering Villa is better at home. Al Azizia from Meru are through to the next round of the FKF Mozzart Bet Cup after winning in the penalty shootout 4-3 against NSL Luanda at Kinoru Stadium.#RadullKE pic.twitter.com/yhMK7vCtgk— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) January 28, 2024 Leaky Mombasa EliteMombasa Elite started 2023 in great defensive form and stepped it up into the first few games of the season. But they have since conceded 15 goals in their last nine games and have looked like a side that is struggling for defensive cohesion.That in itself is strange, considering the back five were all at the club last year. It is when you look at Patrick Nyale’s midfield that the problem begins to become clearer. Losing Chris Erambo to Tusker FC was pivotal, and his man-of-the-match performance against in top flight only served as a timely reminder of what Elite are missing.A trip to Ruaraka against Mathare United is a tough test for the Coastal club who are struggling to keep pace in the relegation bout.KBC to air two matches this weekendNational Super League Weekend Matches SaturdayDarajani Gogo vs Vihiga Bullets – Hope Centre (3pm) Mathare United vs Mombasa Elite – Ruaraka Grounds (3pm) Naivas FC vs Nairobi United – Kenyatta Stadium (3pm) Kajiado FC vs Mara Sugar – Ildamat Stadium(3pm) Mombasa Stars vs Gusii FC – Mbaraki Sports Club (3pm) Luanda Villa vs Migori Youth – Mumboha Grounds (1pm) Sunday SS Assad vs Kibera Black Stars – Ukunda Showgrounds (3pm) MCF FC vs Dimba Patriots – Kenyatta Stadium (3pm) Rainbow vs Silibwet Leons – KIBHT Grounds (3pm) Mulembe United vs Kisumu Allstars – Mumias Sports Complex **Venues are subject to change
