Kibera Black Stars will aim to solidify their push for promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) when they face 16th-placed Samwest Blackboots at Vapor Grounds, Ngong, this afternoon.Kibera, once strong contenders for one of the three promotion slots, suffered a setback last Saturday when Naivas leapfrogged them into third place, pushing the Kibra-based side to fourth.Under coaches Edwin Lavatsa and Idd Badi, the team has struggled for consistency in recent weeks.After an impressive eight-game winning streak earlier in the season, they are now finding it difficult to string together three consecutive victories.##NAJAVA_MECA_8799841##Last weekend, a last-minute goal from substitute Mark Vivian Kesa denied them redemption as they lost 1-0 to Naivas after a 2-0 loss to Mully Children Family FC (MCF).Before that, Kibera had secured a commanding 4-1 win over relegation-threatened Mombasa Stars, only to falter again with a 2-1 defeat to SS Assad in Ukunda.Their campaign has also been dented by draws against Muhoroni Youth (1-1) and Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA).Harambee Stars battle Aubameyang’s Gabon in sold-out World Cup qualifier at Nyayo StadiumOn the other hand, the Samwest Blackboots have endured a difficult season since their much-hyped takeover by Harvest of Hope.The transition forced them to relocate to Busia, but a lack of a home venue has compelled them to play their “home” matches in Nairobi.Coached by Gilbert Selebwa, Andrea Ongwae, and Rix Kanuli, the Blackboots have managed just one win in their last six games.Last week, they twice surrendered the lead in a 3-3 draw against Nzoia Sugar, marking the second time they have let a lead slip after a 1-1 draw against Luanda Villa.Their only victory in the past two months was a narrow 1-0 win over 3K FC in Embu. Other results include a goalless draw against Fortune Sacco, a 4-0 drubbing by Kibera Black Stars, and a 1-0 loss to Vihiga United in Ngong.A win today would see Samwest climb two places to 14th in the 20-team standings, while a Kibera victory would propel them back into third place, keeping their promotion hopes alive.##NAJAVA_MECA_8799829##Vihiga United vs. Migori YouthAt Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, 12th-placed Vihiga United hosts 14th-placed Migori Youth, with both teams eyeing a top-ten finish.Vihiga, under veteran coach Edward Manoah, has been in fine form in 2024, losing just once in their last seven outings.They have drawn 1-1 with Kisumu All-Stars and secured wins over Fortune Sacco (2-1) and 3K FC (2-1), while also picking up valuable points against Naivas, Migori Youth (away), and Samwest Blackboots.Their only recent setback came in a 2-1 loss to Darajani Gogo.McCarthy to shake up Harambee Stars’ lineup for crucial Gabon clashMigori Youth, led by Michael Otieno, have shown resilience following a major squad shake-up in the last transfer window.After victories over Mombasa Stars and points collected against MOFA and MCF, they will be keen to extend their unbeaten run to four matches.A win for either team would see them climb three places in the standings, regardless of other results.SS Assad set for walkover against Nzoia SugarIn Ukunda, SS Assad appears set to collect free points as Mozzart Sport has learned that their scheduled opponents, Nzoia Sugar, have failed to travel due to financial constraints.If Nzoia does not show up, FKF regulations dictate that Assad will be awarded three points and a 2-0 victory, while Nzoia will be docked three points for forfeiting an away fixture.Nzoia Sugar have failed to travel for their fixture against SS Assad in Ukunda due to financial constraints The team shall lose the game by two goals to nil and face a potential docking of three points If they fail to show up for the game.#FootballKE #NSL2026 pic.twitter.com/yi93LBngui— Brian Odhiambo (@Odhiambo_Brian1) March 23, 2025
