Mara Sugar FC have fulfilled a decade-long promotion dream with a 4-0 victory over Silibwet Leons on Saturday afternoon, June 8thFinding the back of the net through Mathias Isogol, Rueben Mita, Michael Isabwa, and Joseph Okwenda, the millers secured an unassailable lead ahead of Mathare United, thus securing automatic promotion. Mathare United will have to wait for the final day to ascertain their own promotion status.##NAJAVA_MECA_8148131##The promotion, a first for many long-serving Mara players, is routine for Isabwa, who has now become part of three different clubs that have earned promotion into the top flight. He previously achieved this with Vihiga United (now Mulembe United) and Vihiga Bullets. Despite this, Isabwa insists it is not an easy feat.“For me, it may look like routine, but it’s not. The second tier is one of the most brutal leagues here, and only total commitment to the cause can ensure the results we just had in the season,” says the speedy forward.After being dropped by Kakamega Homeboyz at the start of the season, Isabwa found a home in Luanda Villa SC. However, it only took half a season before Mara spotted his talent and added him to their squad mid-season. He quickly fit into the team’s starting lineup.“At Villa, I was already playing, so match fitness didn’t trouble me much. I was hungry to make an impact, and that’s another thing. So when the chance came, I wasted no time rewarding the coach’s trust in me,” continues Isabwa, who scored nine goals and assisted in 15 goals in just the second leg.Homeboyz’s Eshihanda eyes Harambee Stars call-up ahead of CECAFA Senior Challenge CupIsabwa delivered for the team in their two crucial away games, a period they term as the turning point. Playing away to his former side Villa and then Kisumu All Stars consecutively, Isabwa used his NSL experience to secure victories at venues even fellow promotion contenders dreaded. From there, having attained the top spot, there was no looking back.“Those games were crucial and further spurred us ahead. The confidence from those wins was immense, and one could tell from the training how my teammates’ attitudes changed,” he adds.Promotion comes with its fair share of drama. In Mara’s case, bigger top-flight teams are already eyeing their formidable prospects.Back in their Division One days, forwards Rueben Mita and Parmenas Ochola were quickly snapped up by Ulinzi Stars and Gor Mahia, respectively. Presently, AFC Leopards and Posta Rangers are interested in Isabwa.The forward was a target for Leopards during his spell at Homeboyz but was never released. Now, playing a key role in Mara Sugar, Ingwe have returned, but they are not the only ones watching the millers. Rangers too, want a piece of the action. Isabwa, however, wants to finish the league first and lift the title once more.“It’s true an approach has been made. But I only want to finish the season first, lift the league title, and boost my numbers in the league,” he says.Apart from Kakamega Homeboyz, the forward has also had a stint with Kariobangi Sharks in the top flight.Gor Mahia defender sings coach Mckinstry’s praise
