The NSL round of 35 matches starts today, with the first match being the biggest of the week, pitting promotion candidates Mathare United against another candidate, Nairobi United.All eyes will be on today’s match as Mathare United looks to quickly return to the FKF Premier League after last season’s relegation.After 34 rounds of matches, Mara Sugar leads the promotion chasing pack with 75 points, four more than Mathare, who occupy the second position. Naivas are third with 64 points while Nairobi United stand fourth with 63 points but with a game in hand.Mathare United CEO Jecton Obure has termed today’s match crucial in their promotion race, especially because it comes against a promotion rival.“The game will be very crucial, especially for us. We came from afar, and now we are in the final stages.”Even with the intrigues of the game, Obure expects his side to emerge victorious and make an important step in the promotion race.2026WCQ: Probable Harambee Stars line up against Burundi”It will be a very good game because we are also playing against a team that is determined to gain promotion, so it’s going to be tough.” However, we are well prepared and focused for the game and I am sure we will have a good result.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8142191##Officiating controversies have marred Mathare United games in recent times, prompting Obure to repeatedly call for fairness. The federation has primarily assigned Premier League referees for matches involving teams chasing promotion who have still faced criticism, so Obure calls for officials to be at their best.“I hope the officials are ready for the task and will give their best on it. We expect them to do their job as required.”When the two sides met in the first leg on November 15, 2023, Mathare United emerged victorious, seeing off Nairobi United 2-0.The games kicks off at 10AM.
