From the little-known outskirts of Kilgoris town, Mara Sugar FC is arguably one of the teams that few expected to succeed in just under three years of competition since they were promoted to the second-tier league.They defied all odds to secure an automatic slot in the FKF Premier League and to also win the National Super League (NSL) championship on their third attempt since promotion from Division One in the 2019–20 season.A look at Mara’s steady rise to prominence dates back to more than a decade ago. The club was established in 2012 in the heart of Kilgoris town, Trans Mara West Sub County, by pioneer chairman George Abuso, secretary Evans Nyakundi, and team manager the late Thomas Oduor.Founded and funded by Transmara Sugar Company Limited, the club, which primarily trains at Shankoe Primary School, began by attracting players primarily from the company’s casual labourers unit and local enthusiasts from the surrounding community, thereafter strengthening the team by registering to compete in Football Kenya Federation (FKF) affiliated leagues, as described by the founding chairman, Abuso.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291075##A year after its inception, the FKF Premier League newcomers began their arduous journey in 2013, when they entered the Nyanza South Provincial League under the tutelage of coaches Ayora Moseti and Wilson Okemo, finishing second but missing promotion to Division 2.In the subsequent year, in 2014, Mara opted to play in the South Rift regional league under the tutelage of coaches Tom Kadwe and Wilson Okemo, who guided the Millers to the league’s top spot and were promoted to the Division 2 at the conclusion of 2015.Following a splendid season in 2015, Mara continued their rise in Division 2 under the watchful direction of Tom Kadwe, Shem Ondieki, and Steve Biko. The three tacticians enabled Mara to qualify for the mini-ligi competition, which consisted of two zones, the Central Rift and South Rift zones.Mara defeated St. Joseph’s in the finals held at Gusii Stadium and were promoted to the Division One league at the end of 2017.The millions Kariobangi Sharks will get from Stanley Wilson’s transfer to SwedenDespite a disastrous start in their debut season in the Division One league, the then-Steve Biko-coached team steadily improved in the second season and performed exceptionally well, earning promotion to the second tier, the National Super League, on the final day of the 2019–20 season.After being promoted to the second division, Mara had to make a few adjustments to their management structure, including hiring former Kenyan international Boniface Ambani as technical director to oversee the team’s metamorphosis into a professionally managed side.Even though many viewed Mara’s strategies as overly ambitious, and despite struggling in their first two seasons, the Kilgoris-based team defied the odds and secured automatic promotion in their third attempt after amassing 84 points, becoming the first team to surpass the 80-point mark in the post-Covid era.Last season, the Sugarmen won 26 matches, drew six, lost a similar number, and scored 77 goals, concluding the season with a respectable goal difference of 45.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291074##To cap off their incredible season after being promoted to the FKF Premier League, Mara, who since their promotion in 2020 have been hosting their matches at Sony Green Stadium in Awendo, 73 kilometres away from Kilgoris, won the National Super League title after beating league returnees Mathare United 1-0.Reminiscing on the club’s growing success, the founding chairman, George Abuso, described Mara’s success as a manifestation of their visionary approach to the team’s formation. “I’m pleased to see the club develop and receive the benefits of their hard work. As a founding chairman, together with the organisation’s founding leaders, I’m pleased that our objective of having the team play in the country’s top league came true,” he remarked.Lamenting the team’s achievement, title-winning tactician Benedict Wanjala voiced his satisfaction while congratulating the players for their efforts.Kenyan Paris Olympics athletes receive more millions at Athletics Kenya GalaWanjala joined the Millers at the beginning of the year and turned around the club’s fortunes, guiding the team to excellence. “It was a fantastic season for the team, and I’m pleased that we were able to make history in such a short amount of time. However, I must applaud the players for their contributions to helping us achieve success,” stated the former APS Bomet coach.On his part, club assistant captain Drona Langa, who has been with the team since 2018, says it was a long process, but he is glad they helped the club fulfil one of its long-term objectives.”It was truly rewarding to propel the team to the top league in the land. We fought long and hard, and I’m glad we finally achieved one of our goals of playing in the country’s finest league,” Langa stated.Bradford coach explains why Harambee Stars winger was loaned to New SaintLocated 137 kilometres from Narok town and more than 300 kilometres from the capital, Mara made history by becoming the first Masaai club to grace the top tier.Mara’s promotion to the Premier League adds them to the growing list of community clubs that receive widespread support from their communities, including Shabana, AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, and Murang’a Seal.The club will make their debut in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) 2024–25 season on Sunday 25 August when they host former Mozzart Bet Cup champions Kakamega Homeboyz.
