Former FKF Premier League side Vihiga United may consider themselves safe from the wide jaws of relegation, having endured a tough season (again), often punctured by a lack of sponsorship.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsTheir former sponsors, the county government of Vihiga, pulled the plug on the side barely a year ago. They have been on survival mode ever since, literally eking out a living from the goodwill of their fans’ support and a very committed executive.Placed 12th on the 19-team National Super League (NSL) standings, Vihiga know they have to tread carefully in the remaining fixtures in order to maintain a safe buffer from the drop zone. Their recent results, however, have been uninspiring.Harambee Stars forward sends message to fans ahead of Saturday clashCoach Milton Kidiga took over the reins after seasoned tactician Edward Manoah’s services were sought by Premier League side Mara Sugar FC.Even though commencing buoyantly with a 3-0 dispatching of Nzoia Sugar FC in his first match, successive losses to MOFA and Mombasa Stars have dented his start, but he hopes to change this.”There are some areas that we obviously have to work on as we seek to stay up. We had our chances against Mombasa Stars but fell short in the execution, and against MOFA, I think we just got it wrong from the start,” says the May coach of the month nominee.##NAJAVA_MECA_8967496##Vihiga welcomes promotion-chasing Kibera Black Stars in Kisumu on Sunday, and Kidiga understands that the stakes have never been higher.”They are chasing promotion while we are fighting for survival. It will not be an easy game for either of us. This week, we have had more advanced sessions with the boys to especially sharpen our attacks because we have really slacked upfront. I am confident the boys will put up a good fight,” continues Kidiga, who has been in the top flight with Vihiga Bullets (currently SamWest Blackboots).AFC Leopards members urged to back former CEO as new club chairmanWith survival secured, Kidiga aims at heading into pre-season right away after the campaign’s end, hinting that the boys will only break for a short while.”We have had a tough season, but seeing us placed where we are, it’s all thanks to the Almighty. We believed in the players and urged them on through the difficulties, and I can say I am proud of the entire unit,” he says, adding that plans are already underway to change the approach for next season.”Vihiga United is a huge name and needs to head back to the KPL. Lucky for us, we have a very supportive executive office who have been patient and stood with the team during tough times. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8967501##It’s always wise to start early, and they have assured us that a lot is on the way regarding how we are going to approach next season.”The side, captained by veteran and long-serving one-club man Patrick Okello and Amos Kigadi, has occasionally relied on just a handful of young, fresh talent from within the county. Going forward, Kidiga sees an influx of more in the coming transfer window.”Most of the experienced players did carry the team for most parts of the season, with a few youngsters also getting their moments. Blow for AFC Leopards as influential defender is ruled out till 2026We are a very rich footballing region and the plan is to scout more young talent within in order to complement the experience that we already have and also boost squad depth. The team has suffered regarding depth this season,” he concludes.Vihiga will play Black Stars from 3 PM at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, their adopted home ground.
