Nzoia Sugar FC will take on AFC Leopards in a Madaraka Day special fixture on Saturday 1st June, a treat for the two clubs’ fans in Bungoma for the official opening ceremony for the newly revamped Masinde Muliro Kanduyi stadium. Kanduyi, which hosted premier league matches in the past, has undergone a total facelift courtesy of the Bungoma County and its spring back to life could be reflective of the region’s intentions as to matters regarding football, this, albeit coming in the wake of Nzoia’s relegation to the second tier National Super League. The sugar millers have been using their Sudi backyard at the factory. Steve Otieno, a forward at the club, reveals their intent of taking the contest seriously. ‘’It’s more like a friendly match but then it is not. There’s a lot of bragging rights in the clash so we won’t let our guard down,’’ says the winger.‘’The management has constantly talked to us, encouraging us to keep our heads up high and that’s why we will give the match everything we have. For us, we also realise it’s a chance to lift a cup this season after the disappointing show we recorded in the league.’’##NAJAVA_MECA_8136613##With three more matches to end the 2023/34 Premier League season, Nzoia’s fate regarding their association with the top flight has already been decided, the millers having to drop a tier down after seven and a half years up. Otieno recounts a tumultuous season.‘’Being relegated means we didn’t play well. The challenges aside, we could have done better because there are seasons in which we didn’t play very well but still managed to get results,’’ adds Otieno. Nzoia had three different coaches handling them for the season with Mike Mururi having to attempt to salvage a ship that was already sinking. All signs indicate the millers’ management retaining him for the upcoming National Super League. The case for the players could be different though. NSL: Mulembe United, Naivas clash in high-stakes match‘’We haven’t been told much because the season is not yet over. What we do know though is that most of the players will be retained due to experience and the need for the club to climb back up to the top flight,’’ Otieno continues. 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐚-Masinde Muliro Stadium was full to capacity as early as 5 a.m. for Madaraka Day celebrations. Current situation. pic.twitter.com/B60og3bzss— Kenya West (@KinyanBoy) June 1, 2024 Nzoia’s premier league action will resume with an away trip to Ulinzi Stars before facing relegation-threatened Muhoroni Youth at home. The latter is a fixture of crucial importance to fans in the western region as it potentially answers Muho’s survival question. They will then wrap up their final engagement with the top flight with an away trip to Sofapaka.
