It has been a rollercoaster year for National Super League (NSL) followers, who experienced both extreme highs and lows in the toughest league in the country.The thrilling 2023-2024/2024-2025 NSL seasons were/are filled with intense competition, spanning several months.Mara Sugar, Mathare United, and Naivas FC emerged as the top three finishers of the 2023-2024 season, while Silibwet Leons, Gusii, and Kajiado FC faced relegation.The season was marked by fierce competition for the championship, promotion, and survival, although the overall quality of play left room for improvement, particularly in a league known for its physicality.##NAJAVA_MECA_8599442##APS Bomet, MOFA, Fortune Sacco, 3K, Nzoia Sugar, and Muhoroni Youth got their tickets to the league either via promotion, merger, or relegation.At the end of the season in June, Mara Sugar claimed the title and earned a promotion to the top tier. However, the true winners were the fans.Enthusiastic supporters of clubs like Fortune Sacco, 3K FC, and Luanda Villa rallied behind their teams across the country, making second-tier football more popular than ever.Mara, with one of the strongest squads, began the season in commanding form. At their peak, they held a seven-point lead over Mathare United.##NAJAVA_MECA_8603454##However, as the season neared its climax, the gap narrowed to just five points. Despite the turbulence, Mara secured their first-ever promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, while Mathare United made a swift return to the top tier.The relegation battle was nothing short of dramatic, with Vihiga United, Mombasa Elite, Kajiado, Silibwet, Gusii, and Vihiga Bullets exchanging places at the bottom.Ultimately, Kajiado, Gusii, and Silibwet were relegated, while Vihiga United and Mombasa Elite survived after playing out a tense stalemate on the final day.Kenya 7’s year in review: Shujaa back in the global stageA Revival of EnthusiasmThe 2024 season was particularly memorable for the NSL, as it marked the return of home-and-away fixtures and the much-anticipated return of fans to the stands.The promotions of 3K, Fortune Sacco, and APS Bomet brought football closer to local communities.From Embu to Kisumu, Mombasa to Nairobi, and beyond, fans filled the stadiums, and football once again went local.With strong attendance numbers across clubs, traditional powerhouses like Kisumu All Stars saw impressive fan support, and soon, clubs like Villa, Darajani Gogo, Migori Youth, SS Assad, and Mombasa United also enjoyed increased attendance.##NAJAVA_MECA_8597879##The return of media coverage and the resurgence of fan interest sparked an exciting atmosphere, as evidenced by the gate collections reported by teams.Migori Youth’s home ground at the Migori Green Stadium became a fan favourite, with full-house crowds and an electric atmosphere.The rejuvenation of MYTA reignited the passion for football in Migori, and for the first time, people from Homabay County witnessed a team from their region playing in the NSL as Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) took over Rainbow FC’s slot.Best MatchOne of the best matches of the season was the thrilling encounter between Silibwet Leons and Darajani Gogo, which ended 0-6 in favor of Gogo.The attacking play from Veron Ombima and his teammates was relentless, and while six goals were scored, there could have easily been more.Arnold Origi reflects on Harambee Stars return, coaching journey, and building future champions💚🤍#MaraSugar✊ pic.twitter.com/j7fF5c2FWz— Mara Sugar Fc (@MaraSugarfc) December 16, 2024 This performance helped cement Darajani Gogo as a serious title contender.Additionally, Vihiga United and Mombasa Elite closed the season with a dramatic 2-2 draw, a result that kept both teams in the second tier and sealed Kajiado’s relegation to FKF Division One.Biggest MomentsThis year brought several spectacular moments to the NSL:Nairobi United’s Isaac Omweri earned a call-up to the national team, becoming the first NSL player in three years to make the Harambee Stars squad.This call-up raised the profile of the league, showcasing its potential to develop raw talent.##NAJAVA_MECA_8603451##The demise of Rainbow FC, which struggled to maintain players and at one point had to travel with just 15 players, highlighted the financial challenges facing second-tier clubs.However, this led to the rise of MOFA, who, through the merger, got a chance to play in the second division.The promotion of APS Bomet and Fortune Sacco to the NSL also injected new life into the league, creating a more competitive environment.A significant number of NSL players made the jump to the top tier, with 36 players transitioning to premier league clubs, reflecting the growing talent pool.The formation of the NSL Council of Governors brought hope for better cooperation among teams, although the council was eventually dissolved. Fans hope that political differences among the council leaders will be set aside for the betterment of the league.Challenges and Biggest LetdownsDespite the progress, several challenges persisted throughout the season.The league continued to struggle with issues like inadequate stadiums, sponsorship, and hooliganism.Comment from a concerned fan pertaining fracas that were witnessed as Migori Youth defeated 3K on SundayRecent events highlight challenges faced by the National Super League (NSL), where financial constraints and questionable tactics have sparked controversy. During a recent… pic.twitter.com/MY6F4du8tT— Brian Odhiambo (@Odhiambo_Brian1) December 16, 2024 However, the biggest disappointment was the level of refereeing. Numerous bad decisions were made throughout the season, with teams regularly facing questionable calls.This inconsistent officiating undermined the integrity of several matches and, if not addressed, will push fans away from the stadium.Migori Youth players nursing injuries after road accident while on their way to match venueBiggest What-IfsNaivas FC and Nairobi United were both in a strong position to challenge for promotion but faltered after the first leg of the season.Nairobi United pushed until the final day but ultimately finished outside the top three.Naivas, after a promising start, fell short in the playoffs, losing 2-0 on aggregate to Sofapaka. One can only wonder what might have happened had these teams maintained their consistency.Turnover of coaches The hiring and firing of coaches in the league was still another area of concern; more than 15 coaches were shown the door this year, some under unclear circumstances, while others were based on their poor performances.A look into Kenya U17 at FIFA World Cup and women’s national team 2024 performanceNational Super League side Samwest Blackboots have reportedly begun the search for a new head coach following their narrow 1-0 defeat to APS Bomet over the weekend. More to follow #FootballKE #nsl2025 pic.twitter.com/sKWyLp37v8— Brian Odhiambo (@Odhiambo_Brian1) December 18, 2024 Financial Struggles and Future HopeFinancial instability continued to plague NSL clubs, with rumours of unpaid wages and the risk of clubs withdrawing from the league.Despite this, clubs have shown positive trends in ticket and merchandise sales, suggesting healthier operations.The NSL remains a vital stepping stone for Kenyan football, and both clubs and the Football Kenya Federation must continue investing in its growth and professionalism.##NAJAVA_MECA_8603489##As the year ends, the NSL has proven itself as a league full of drama, promise, and challenges. Fans are hopeful that 2024 will be the year that the league finally reaches its full potential, with the hope that the Football Kenya Federation will invest more resources into revitalizing the second-tier competition.Happy New Year to all NSL loyalists!
